Effect of knowledge network embedding on exploitative and exploratory innovation: evidence from Chinese advanced manufacturing firms

This study constructs firm knowledge networks using patent data of advanced Chinese manufacturing firms. It applies panel stochastic negative binomial regression analysis to explore the mechanism of the effect of knowledge network (KN) embedding on exploitative innovation (EI) and exploratory innovation (EY) in advanced manufacturing firms. The results indicate, relationship embedding (RE) has a clear inverted U-shaped relationship with EI and EY, while structure embedding (SE) has a significant positive impact on EI and an inverted U-shaped effect on EY. An increase in knowledge diversity (KD) flattens the inverted U-shaped relationship between RE and EY. Conversely, weakening the positive impact of SE on EI. Knowledge integration capacity (KIC) mediates the relationship between KN embedding (RE and SE), EI, and EY.