The impact of big data capability: a perspective of supply chain and innovation capabilities

The study on big data capability was initiated just recently. The impact of big data capability on companies, such as on companies' other capabilities, is still unclear. Grounded on dynamic capabilities theory, this study proposed a model and tested the impact of big data capability on supply chain dynamic capability and dynamic innovation capability. The research objects are high-tech listed companies in China. By PLS path modelling, the major findings are: 1) big data capability showed positive impact on supply chain dynamic capability; 2) however, unexpectedly, big data capability was found showing negative impact on dynamic innovation capability. In our opinion, the potential reason is that big data application is just initiated, so may lead to certain disorder in the companies. Based on this finding, we call for attention to big data paradox; 3) further, supply chain dynamic capability showed positive impact on dynamic innovation capability; 4) possibly owing to the mediating and moderating effects of supply chain dynamic capability, the total effect of big data capability on dynamic innovation capability is positive and significant. Managerial applications and limitations are generalised at the end.