Information technology, knowledge management and environmental dynamism as drivers of innovation ambidexterity: a study in SMEs

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of technological, organizational and environmental factors on innovation ambidexterity and its influence on the performance of manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as the moderating effect environmental dynamism on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the Technology–Organization–Environment theory and the Knowledge-Based View, this paper develops an integrative research model, which analyzes the network of relations using covariance-based structural equation modeling on a data set of 429 Spanish SMEs.

Findings

The results show that information technology capability, knowledge management capability and environmental dynamism are positively associated with innovation ambidexterity. In addition, environmental dynamism is found to strengthen the positive effect of innovation ambidexterity on firm performance.

Practical implications

The study findings support the idea that innovation can be developed in an ambidextrous manner within a single SME as long as the firm is capable of creating a suitable organizational context and giving a prompt response to changes in the business environment.

Originality/value

Although many studies have highlighted that being ambidextrous is more challenging for SMEs than for their larger counterparts, the vast majority of studies has been conducted in large companies. This paper extends prior literature by analyzing antecedents and outcomes of innovation ambidexterity in manufacturing SMEs.