Knowledge digitization and high-tech firm performance: A moderated mediation model incorporating business model innovation and entrepreneurial orientation

Abstract

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, knowledge digitization, facilitated by advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and cloud computing, has captured significant scholarly attention. To comprehensively explore the implications and outcomes of this knowledge digitization trend, our study delves into its impact on the performance of high-tech firms. Based on the knowledge-based view, we develop a moderated mediation model to examine the mediating role of business model innovation and the moderating effect of entrepreneurial orientation in the relationship between knowledge digitization and firm performance. To test our hypotheses, we employ the PLS-SEM method, analyzing data from a sample of 291 Chinese high-tech firms. Our findings indicate that knowledge digitization has a positive effect on firm performance, and both types of business model innovation—novel and efficient—partially mediate the positive relationship. Additionally, entrepreneurial orientation is found to strengthen the relationship between knowledge digitization and business model innovation. However, it does not significantly moderate the connection between knowledge digitization and firm performance. Our research offers actionable insights for strategic development in the digital era and makes a substantial contribution to the existing body of knowledge in this field.