Does Strategic Alliance Knowledge Heterogeneity Truly Promote Innovation Performance?

Abstract

There is a certain degree of difference in the knowledge and skills of alliance members, and the knowledge heterogeneity among them will have an impact on innovation. The study of the relationship between strategic alliance knowledge heterogeneity (SAKH) and enterprise innovation performance (IP) has important practical significance for enterprise-development strategies. Based on the resource-dependence theory, this study discussed the mediating effect of exploratory learning (EXR) and exploitative learning (EXI) on the impact of SAKH on IP. Using surveys collected from Chinese manufacturing enterprises with strategic alliances, we found that (1) SAKH and IP have an inverted U-shaped relationship; (2) EXR and EXI partially mediate the relationship between SAKH and IP. From the perspective of managers’ attention, this study not only extends the boundaries of knowledge heterogeneity and innovation-related research but also provides a theoretical and practical framework for the promotion and development of alliance enterprise innovation.