The impact of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) application on product innovation performance: a model of mediated moderated effect
International Journal of Innovation Science
ISSN: 1757-2223
Article publication date: 5 July 2022
Issue publication date: 24 May 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the integration of the knowledge-based theory and the resource orchestration theory, this study aims to develop a moderated mediation model on how design/manufacturing/administrative advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) influences product innovation performance. The authors hypothesized that the absorption capacity could mediate the AMT-innovation performance link and that design–manufacturing integration (DMI) could positively moderate the mediating effect of the absorption capacity.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the hypothesis, the authors conducted a mail survey of equipment manufacturing firms and obtained 302 valid responses for data analysis. Both hierarchical regression and bootstrapping analysis were conducted to empirically test the research model.
Findings
It is revealed that the absorption capacity partially mediated the effect of AMT on innovation and that DMI enhanced the mediated effect. Specifically, the mediating effect of the absorption capacity was more substantial and significant when DMI was high. However, the mediating effect of the absorption capacity was weaker and insignificant when DMI was low.
Originality/value
Overall, this study contributes to the AMT theory on innovation by identifying the absorption capacity and DMI as two key factors that elucidate why and under what conditions AMT affects innovation. Moreover, this study advises managers that besides developing AMT, firms should cultivate a strong DMI, which directs the absorption capacity toward converting the valuable knowledge in firms’ capital equipment into increased innovation performance.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Tianjin Education Scientific Planning Project (Grant: HJE210417), construction and empirical research on the integration index system of innovation & entrepreneurship education and professional education in the University of Applied Sciences.
Citation
Wang, G., Zhang, L. and Guo, J. (2023), "The impact of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) application on product innovation performance: a model of mediated moderated effect", International Journal of Innovation Science, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 457-478. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-06-2021-0108
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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