Mobile information technology's impacts on service innovation performance of manufacturing enterprises

Abstract

PurposeGiven the rapid adoption of intelligent and digital manufacturing among the current business environment, emerging mobile information technology (MIT) becomes an ever more important factor, driving innovations in manufacturing sectors. This paper analyzes the impact of MIT on innovation service performance in manufacturing firms and builds a model structuring the mechanisms of this information technology. Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a theoretical model and derives a set of hypotheses based on the dynamic capability theory and innovation diffusion theory. Data used in this paper is collected via surveying 462 manufacturing firms in China using valid questionnaires. Statistical analysis, such as the AMOS method, is then carried out using the data collected to investigate and identify influencing factors upon which to build the model and test the hypotheses. FindingsThis paper presents findings that indicate MIT having a direct impact on a firm's service innovation capabilities (SIC) and service innovation performance (SIP). In particular, SIC continuously drives the growth of SIP in a firm, and hence acts as a mediating factor. Moreover, results indicate that both SIC and SIP varies with the strength of innovation network in each firm, while the moderated mediating effect of SIC remains constant. In other words, the performance of service innovation was not to be impacted by certain basic conditions of firms. Originality/valueThis paper is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between the manufacturing industry and advanced technology adoption of enterprise innovation networks and service innovation capabilities. Results are application for adaptation in firms within the manufacturing industry regarding adoption of such advanced technology, such as MIT, and are supportive of these firms constructing enterprise innovation networks and investing in efforts to shape service innovation capabilities. Findings suggests that initiatives associated with adoption of advanced technology are likely to improve service transformation abilities and service innovation performance.