How does technological diversity in supplier network drive buyer innovation? Relational process and contingencies
基于202家中国制造企业及其供应商网络的调查数据，研究发现供应商网络的技术多样性通过新颖信息共享提升买方的新产品创意，且买方-供应商关系强度、竞争强度会增强该效应，而供应商网络密度和技术动荡性会削弱它。
Abstract External networks provide important knowledge sources of innovation for firms. Drawing on social network theory, this study examines how technological diversity in supplier network influences a focal buyer firm's innovation. The results from a survey of 202 Chinese manufacturing firms and their supplier networks reveal that novel information sharing partially mediates the effect of technological diversity in supplier network on buyer firms’ new product creativity. The positive effect of technological diversity is enhanced by buyer–supplier relational strength but inhibited by supplier network density; competitive intensity positively moderates this effect, and technological turbulence negatively moderates it. These findings provide novel insights into how buyer firms can use their supplier networks to enhance product innovation.