How Cross-Industry Knowledge Fosters Exploratory Innovation of Taiwanese Small Business Enterprises: Moderating Effects of Incubator Assistance

Abstract

This study investigates how incubators provide feasible solutions to increase the opportunities for exploratory innovation (EI) of small business enterprises (SBEs). Participation in cross-industry collaborations (CICs) bridged by incubators provides the foundation for the view that SBEs access cross-industry knowledge (CIK) to increase their potential for EI. Hypotheses are tested using CICs of 489 SBEs of Taiwanese university-based incubators. Results show that accessing CIK has a significant and positive influence on the EI of SBEs. Business assistance, technological assistance, and coaching service also strengthen the benefits of CIK for EI. Business assistance and coaching service allow SBEs to increase EI regardless of access to CIK. However, this positive effect cannot be achieved through technological assistance alone but rather in combination with access to CIK.