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19 pages, 637 KB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Relationship Between Organizational Ambidexterity and Firm Performance in New Technology-Based Firms

by Julio César Acosta-Prado, Elías Aburto-Camacllanqui, José Ever Castellanos Narciso and Ricardo Mora Pabón

Systems 2026, 14(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14030309 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 372

Abstract

Organizational ambidexterity is an essential topic in management research. A growing number of studies argue that organizational ambidexterity is increasingly critical to the sustained competitive advantage of firms. However, there is less research on ambidexterity in new technology-based firms, despite the significant impact [...] Read more.

Organizational ambidexterity is an essential topic in management research. A growing number of studies argue that organizational ambidexterity is increasingly critical to the sustained competitive advantage of firms. However, there is less research on ambidexterity in new technology-based firms, despite the significant impact it has on local and national economies. The study examined the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and firm performance (non-economic and economic). The sample consists of 102 Colombian new technology-based firms. A latent variable design or structural equation modeling was followed. The statistical method was Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). According to the results, organizational ambidexterity is positively related to both non-economic and economic performance. Organizational ambidexterity explained 10% of the variance of the economic performance and 56% of the variance of the non-economic performance. These findings highlight the importance of organizational ambidexterity to obtain better firm performance, especially non-economic performance related to customer perception, employee satisfaction, and improvement in the quality of products and services in new technology-based firms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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25 pages, 17110 KB

Open AccessArticle

Turning Knowledge into Innovation: The Systemic Role of Knowledge Management Capability, Intellectual Capital, and Knowledge Utilization

by Ahmed Mohamed Hasanein and Bassam Samir Al-Romeedy

Systems 2026, 14(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14020179 - 5 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 724

Abstract

In the dynamic and service-intensive context of the tourism and hospitality industry, organizational innovation performance (OIP) is a critical determinant of competitiveness. This study investigates the systemic role of knowledge management capability (KMC) in driving OIP, with a focus on the mediating effects [...] Read more.

In the dynamic and service-intensive context of the tourism and hospitality industry, organizational innovation performance (OIP) is a critical determinant of competitiveness. This study investigates the systemic role of knowledge management capability (KMC) in driving OIP, with a focus on the mediating effects of intellectual capital (IC) and knowledge utilization (KU). Drawing on Dynamic Capabilities Theory and the Knowledge-Based View, KMC is conceptualized as a higher-order capability that facilitates the accumulation, coordination, and application of knowledge resources, thereby shaping both organizational knowledge assets and their practical enactment. Data were collected from senior managers across five-star hotels in Greater Cairo, Egypt, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that KMC positively influences OIP directly and indirectly through the development of IC and the effective utilization of knowledge. Both IC and KU are found to mediate the relationship between KMC and innovation performance, highlighting the importance of transforming knowledge resources into actionable and value-creating organizational capabilities. The study advances theoretical understanding by elucidating the systemic mechanisms linking knowledge management, intellectual capital, and knowledge utilization to innovation outcomes, and provides practical insights for hospitality managers seeking to leverage knowledge-driven strategies to enhance competitiveness and service excellence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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23 pages, 910 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Participation in Technical Standard Setting Affect Firms’ Patient Capital Investment? Evidence from Enterprises Engaged in ICT Standardization

by Yijian Du and Honghui Zhu

Systems 2026, 14(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010033 - 26 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 718

Abstract

Against the backdrop of pursuing technological self-reliance and strength, examining how participation in technical standard setting influences corporate patient capital investment holds significant importance. This study constructs a complex mediation model based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. It employs a sample of 211 [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of pursuing technological self-reliance and strength, examining how participation in technical standard setting influences corporate patient capital investment holds significant importance. This study constructs a complex mediation model based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. It employs a sample of 211 listed enterprises involved in China’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) standardization. Utilizing both their cross-sectional data from 2023 and panel data spanning 2003 to 2024, it empirically tests the impact of participation in technical standard setting on corporate patient capital investment and its underlying mechanisms. Findings reveal: First, participation in technical standard setting exerts a significant and robust direct positive effect on corporate patient capital investment. Second, this influence operates primarily through multiple heterogeneous configurational pathways. Configurational analysis identifies four pathways leading to higher patient capital investment, categorized into “innovation-driven” and “sustainable development-driven” types. Further mediation tests reveal that three of these pathways mediate the relationship between participation in technical standard setting and patient capital investment. Third, comparative analysis of linear and complex mediation mechanisms reveals that participation in technical standard setting primarily exerts direct effects through independent pathways influencing innovation levels, innovation information disclosure, and ESG responsibility fulfillment. Variables such as long-term corporate investment and financing constraints—which are insignificant in linear models—emerge as critical components within specific configuration scenarios. These findings enrich the literature on the economic consequences of participating in technical standard setting and the determinants of patient capital investment, providing theoretical foundations and practical references for optimizing corporate strategic allocation and formulating relevant government policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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29 pages, 772 KB

Open AccessArticle

Linking Digital Knowledge Management Practices to Organizational Performance: A Serial Mediation Perspective

by Erdem Erzurum, Enes Eryarsoy, Fariha Naqvi, Selim Zaim and Halil Zaim

Systems 2025, 13(12), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13121073 - 28 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2025

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, organizations increasingly rely on digital knowledge management (DKM) to fuel innovation and improve performance. However, limited research has explored the sequential mechanisms through which DKM practices generate value. This study addresses this gap by proposing and empirically testing [...] Read more.

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, organizations increasingly rely on digital knowledge management (DKM) to fuel innovation and improve performance. However, limited research has explored the sequential mechanisms through which DKM practices generate value. This study addresses this gap by proposing and empirically testing a serial mediation model where innovation serves as the central conduit linking three DKM components—(i) Digital Knowledge Storage (DKNST), (ii) Digital Knowledge-Sharing (DKNSH), and (iii) Knowledge Utilization Through Digital Technologies (KNUTDTs)—to Perceived Organizational Performance (PERPOP). Drawing on the Knowledge-Based View (KBV), Resource-Based View (RBV), and Organizational Learning Theory (OLT), a multi-firm online organizational survey was conducted using data collected from 245 respondents across 127 service organizations in Kuwait. Validated instruments were used, and analysis involved Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, followed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to test the complete digital knowledge lifecycle, beginning from archival storage to innovation and organizational performance. Results reveal that DKM practices do not directly impact performance; instead, their effects are fully mediated by innovation. Four distinct mediation pathways were confirmed, underscoring the importance of integrating digital storage, sharing, and utilization into a unified, innovation-driven process. This research advances the conceptualization of DKM as a dynamic process and highlights innovation as the pivotal mechanism for translating digital knowledge into performance outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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22 pages, 831 KB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Tier Network Embeddedness, Heterogeneous Resource Acquisition, and Firms’ Breakthrough Innovation: The Moderating Effect of Digitalization

by Xin Jin, Yinan Yu, Min Zhang, Chunwu Chen and Yuanheng Li

Systems 2025, 13(11), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13111012 - 12 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1043

Abstract

Promoting breakthrough innovation is a critical strategy for overcoming technological bottlenecks and addressing “chokepoint” challenges, especially for emerging economies. This paper constructs a two-tier innovation network comprising collaborative R&D and technology transaction subnetworks. Using panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2008 [...] Read more.

Promoting breakthrough innovation is a critical strategy for overcoming technological bottlenecks and addressing “chokepoint” challenges, especially for emerging economies. This paper constructs a two-tier innovation network comprising collaborative R&D and technology transaction subnetworks. Using panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2008 and 2022, we empirically examine the impact of network embeddedness on firm breakthrough innovation in the artificial intelligence industry and explore the moderating effect of enterprise digitalization. The results reveal a U-shaped relationship between embeddedness breadth and breakthrough innovation, and an inverted U-shaped relationship between embeddedness depth and breakthrough innovation. The heterogeneous resource acquisition mediates these nonlinear relationships. As a firm’s digitalization intensity increases, the U-shaped and inverted U-shaped relationships between embeddedness dimensions and breakthrough innovation are significantly amplified. This study deepens our understanding of the mechanisms and boundary conditions by which network embeddedness affects firm innovation and provides new theoretical insights for fostering breakthrough innovation in emerging economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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20 pages, 632 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanism of Fun Activities Weakening the Impact of Workplace Ostracism: A Mediated Moderation Model

by Hongqing Wang and Chuanhao Fan

Systems 2025, 13(6), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13060492 - 19 Jun 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1949

Abstract

In the era of shifting global economic dynamics and rapid digital transformation, the demand for enhanced corporate innovation capabilities has significantly increased. However, workplace ostracism, which often arises in complex organizational contexts, may trigger employees’ creative territory behavior, thereby undermining the organization’s innovation [...] Read more.

In the era of shifting global economic dynamics and rapid digital transformation, the demand for enhanced corporate innovation capabilities has significantly increased. However, workplace ostracism, which often arises in complex organizational contexts, may trigger employees’ creative territory behavior, thereby undermining the organization’s innovation ecosystem. There is a need for further research on mitigating the negative impacts of workplace ostracism. Drawing on Affective Events Theory, this study adopts the perspective of enhancing individuals’ perceived coping resources and conceptualizes fun activities as a form of indirect support created by the organization. It further develops a mediated moderation model to examine how fun activities buffer the impact of workplace ostracism on employees’ creative territory behavior by mitigating their fear of missing out. Using a two-wave questionnaire survey, this study collected 337 valid responses from Chinese employees and conducted a hierarchical regression analysis with SPSS. The results reveal that fun activities perform a dual role: directly, they can mitigate employees’ fear of missing out triggered by workplace ostracism; indirectly, they can weaken the impact of workplace ostracism on employees’ creative territory behavior by alleviating such apprehension. This study offers theoretical insights for organizations on integrating ostracism governance into their organizational management systems and on alleviating the adverse outcomes of workplace ostracism by fostering an environment of indirect support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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26 pages, 2119 KB

Open AccessArticle

Actor Network Model of the Construction Mechanism of a Technology Standardization Innovation Ecosystem—Haier Case Study

by Yu Yuan and Dengyun Ma

Systems 2025, 13(4), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13040285 - 12 Apr 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2410

Abstract

As the competition of standards among enterprises turns to the competition among innovation ecosystems, how to construct the technology standardization innovation ecosystem (TSIE) is of great significance to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises and even industries. Based on the perspective of actor network [...] Read more.

As the competition of standards among enterprises turns to the competition among innovation ecosystems, how to construct the technology standardization innovation ecosystem (TSIE) is of great significance to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises and even industries. Based on the perspective of actor network theory (ANT) through the case study of Haier, this paper constructs an ANT model for the formation of a TSIE and tries to answer the following questions: how is the TSIE formed? how do the actors gather and what roles do they play in the formation process? and what role do technology standards play in the formation process? This research finds that the formation of the TSIE results from interactions among the actors of ANT over different periods. The focal actors play a crucial role; their roles change from the construction of their own actor network to the empowerment of the sub-actor network construction. Other actors evolve from being defined to defining roles themselves. Standards are also crucial throughout this process: initially, they recruit and coordinate the primary actors to form close relationships, and later they facilitate bidirectional regulation, enable standardization, and coordinate the formation and development of sub-ecosystems. This paper explores the evolution of TSIE through the lens of ANT, advancing its application within this context. It enriches the theoretical research on this subject and offers a theoretical foundation for large enterprise platforms to facilitate the transformation of TSIE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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24 pages, 703 KB

Open AccessArticle

R&D Subsidies and Radical Innovation: Innovative Mindset and Competition Matter

by Xiaotong Huo, Shuyang Wang, Bowen Zheng and Xiaoyu Wu

Systems 2025, 13(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13040282 - 11 Apr 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4622

Abstract

With the increasing focus on R&D (research and development) subsidies of various researchers, there is growing interest in how these subsidies affect radical innovation. Based on the limited attention paid to this area in the existing literature, this paper investigates the impact of [...] Read more.

With the increasing focus on R&D (research and development) subsidies of various researchers, there is growing interest in how these subsidies affect radical innovation. Based on the limited attention paid to this area in the existing literature, this paper investigates the impact of R&D subsidies on radical innovation. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms, we investigate how innovation orientation and competitive intensity moderate this relationship. By incorporating concepts from Path Dependence Theory, we propose that R&D subsidies alter firms’ assessment of the value and risk associated with investments in radical innovation, influencing their innovation strategies. Subsidies may increase the attractiveness of incremental innovations, which have lower volatility and faster returns, compared to radical innovations, which inherently involve higher risk and uncertainty. Based on the results of our analysis, we find that R&D subsidies negatively affect radical innovation, but firms with a stronger innovation orientation (which reflects their greater tolerance for risk) are less negatively affected. Conversely, an increase in the intensity of competition exacerbates the negative impact of subsidies because it induces firms to make safer incremental investments. The robustness analysis confirms that the main effects remain significant even when using alternative proxies for innovation. Our study sheds light on the mechanisms affecting the effectiveness of subsidies from the perspective of finance theory and highlights the conditions under which subsidies may unintentionally discourage radical innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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21 pages, 1354 KB

Open AccessArticle

PAI-NET: Retrieval-Augmented Generation Patent Network Using Prior Art Information

by Kyung-Yul Lee and Juho Bai

Systems 2025, 13(4), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13040259 - 7 Apr 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7158

Abstract

Similar patent document retrieval is an essential task that reduces the scope of patent claimants’ searches, and numerous studies have attempted to provide automated patent search services. Recently, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) based on generative language models has emerged as an excellent method for [...] Read more.

Similar patent document retrieval is an essential task that reduces the scope of patent claimants’ searches, and numerous studies have attempted to provide automated patent search services. Recently, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) based on generative language models has emerged as an excellent method for accessing and utilizing patent knowledge environments. RAG-based patent search services offer enhanced retrieval ranking performance as AI search services by providing document knowledge similar to queries. However, achieving optimal similarity-based document ranking in search services remains a challenging task, as search methods based on document similarity do not adequately address the characteristics of patent documents. Unlike general document retrieval, the similarity of patent documents must take into account prior art relationships. To address this issue, we propose PAI-NET, a deep neural network for computing patent document similarities by incorporating expert knowledge of prior art relationships. We demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms current state-of-the-art models in patent document classification tasks through semantic distance evaluation on the USPD and KPRIS datasets. PAI-NET presents similar document candidates, demonstrating a superior patent search performance improvement of 15% over state-of-the-art methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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Review

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15 pages, 288 KB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Organisational Learning on Innovation and Institutional Performance in Universities: A Narrative Review

by Liliana Pedraja-Rejas, Emilio Rodríguez-Ponce and Pablo Rojas-Miranda

Systems 2025, 13(9), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13090743 - 27 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5272

Abstract

Learning has established itself as a fundamental pillar for the adaptation and continuous growth of organisations. This article analyses the impact of organisational learning on innovation and institutional performance in universities, focusing on five interdependent dimensions: organisational culture, knowledge management, organisational memory, continuous [...] Read more.

Learning has established itself as a fundamental pillar for the adaptation and continuous growth of organisations. This article analyses the impact of organisational learning on innovation and institutional performance in universities, focusing on five interdependent dimensions: organisational culture, knowledge management, organisational memory, continuous feedback, and dynamic capabilities. Through a narrative review of the specialised literature, a systemic framework is proposed that conceives organisational learning as an integral and strategic process, where each dimension contributes in key ways to institutional strengthening. Organisational culture fosters shared values and readiness for change; knowledge management enables the generation and application of relevant knowledge; organisational memory guarantees the continuity and transfer of learning; constant feedback facilitates adaptation; and dynamic capabilities prepare the university to face complex and changing contexts. As a practical contribution, an operational agenda is designed that links each dimension with a strategic action, a follow-up indicator, a suggested institutional tool, and theoretical references. This proposal seeks to offer an adaptable roadmap for management teams, quality assurance units, and university management training spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

22 pages, 2601 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Key Project Management Competencies in the Last Two Decades: A Bibliometric and Content Analysis

by Tomislav Rastovski, Mladen Vukomanović and Rebeka D. Vlahov

Systems 2025, 13(11), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13110972 - 30 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2114

Abstract

In a dynamic modern business environment, project management has been receiving significant attention as a way to improve organizational practices and keep pace with market needs in various industries. Consequently, a growing focus was placed on competent individuals who will successfully manage projects [...] Read more.

In a dynamic modern business environment, project management has been receiving significant attention as a way to improve organizational practices and keep pace with market needs in various industries. Consequently, a growing focus was placed on competent individuals who will successfully manage projects no matter their primary area of specialization, and it became necessary to determine the correct knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as to formalize them in a way to be used for evaluating the potential candidates, choosing the right ones for the job and helping them to grow over time. As project management competencies have been broadly discussed in the literature, the aim of this paper was to examine the key research interests of the authors in the field in the last two decades to identify the main research directions and areas for filling in the research gaps. A systematic literature review was conducted on 487 academic papers published and indexed in the WoS database between 2004 and 2024. The results of the keyword co-occurrence analysis highlighted four prominent research directions—the evolving role of project manager and project management competence development, integrating knowledge management strategies for project success, leadership and emotional intelligence as pillars of advanced project management and innovative approaches to project management in the construction sector. Development of specific competencies and their formalization, cross-sector analyses, and ways to upskill the individuals working in single- or multi-project domains are recognized as future research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation)

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