The relationship between intrapreneurial capabilities and development in high-tech SMEs in China

Abstract

ABSTRACT The deep-seated intersection between intrapreneurial activities and innovation presents a new paradigm with innovation at its core. This study explores the relationship between intrapreneurial capabilities and the development of high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (HTSMEs) and examines the role and impact of ambidextrous innovation and knowledge heterogeneity. We employed a questionnaire survey of 649 HTSMEs in China, and the data are analysed using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that HTSMEs could achieve sustainable development by improving their intrapreneurial capabilities, while ambidextrous innovation plays a mediating role. When knowledge heterogeneity is introduced as a moderating variable, the results indicate that knowledge heterogeneity has a negative partial moderating effect on the relationship between intrapreneurial capabilities and ambidextrous innovation. This study contributes to our understanding of intrapreneurial capabilities by introducing balanced ambidextrous innovation and knowledge heterogeneity. Ultimately, the results suggest that HTSMEs should focus on building intrapreneurial capabilities and balance the needs of ambidextrous innovation as a path to achieving sustainable development. However, firms need to control the effect of internal knowledge heterogeneity in the innovation process.