Knowledge domain coupling, digital transformation and R&D team innovation performance

Purpose Based on theories such as knowledge management and resource base, this paper explores the effect of knowledge domain coupling on R&D team innovation performance under the perspective of technological innovation networks as well as the mediating role of digital transformation, and further validates the moderating role played by organizational innovation climate and environmental turbulence. Design/methodology/approach Taking the data of 239 Chinese enterprises with high R&D intensity and strong innovation ability as samples, SPSS and AMOS are used for empirical testing. Findings The findings suggest that knowledge domain coupling and its decomposition variables (complementary knowledge coupling and iterative knowledge coupling) have a significant positive effect on R&D team innovation performance, digital transformation partially mediates the relationship between knowledge domain coupling and R&D team innovation performance, and that there is a positive moderating effect of organizational innovation climate and environmental turbulence in the influence path. Originality/value The study has enlightening value for innovative enterprises and their R&D teams on how to effectively couple the knowledge, make reasonable use of iterative technologies and promote digital transformation practices to enhance innovation performance.