Smart Manufacturing and Enterprise Breakthrough Innovation: Co-Existence Test of “U-Shaped” and Inverted “U-Shaped” Relationships in Chinese Listed Companies

Abstract

This study, using the Technology Acceptance Model and Innovation Diffusion Theory, utilizes datasets from A-share manufacturing companies listed on China’s stock exchange from 2010 to 2022 to examine the impact of smart manufacturing on the dimensions of enterprise breakthrough innovation and the moderating role of service-oriented transformation. The findings reveal a “U-shaped” relationship between smart manufacturing and the width of breakthrough innovation, and an inverted “U-shaped” relationship between smart manufacturing and the depth of breakthrough innovation. Furthermore, enterprises’ service-oriented transformation positively moderates these relationships. This study is limited by its focus on Chinese listed companies, which may restrict the generalizability of the results to other regions. Future research should consider a broader sample, to validate and extend these findings. Nevertheless, the research findings provide a theoretical basis and practical insights for enterprises’ intelligent transformation and service transformation, promoting enterprise breakthrough innovation.