Dual regulatory mechanisms and boundary conditions of digital transformation on open innovation: A supply chain dynamic characteristics perspective

Abstract

Digital transformation is widely recognized as a catalyst for corporate innovation. Existing research exhibits significant theoretical gaps in elucidating the synergistic mechanisms and contextual dependencies between digital transformation and open innovation, particularly in accounting for supply chain dynamics. Moving beyond unilateral effect analyses, this study integrates transaction cost economics and resource dependence theory to develop a novel digital transformation–supply chain characteristics–open innovation framework. Leveraging panel data from Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies, this paper empirically investigates how digital transformation impacts open innovation and uncovers the dual regulatory roles of supply chain concentration and efficiency. Key findings reveal: (1) Digital transformation significantly enhances open innovation levels through the synergistic reduction of transaction costs and resource dependence constraints, (2) Supply chain concentration weakens the positive impact due to transaction lock-in effects and innovation path dependence, (3) High supply chain efficiency paradoxically suppresses digital innovation dividends by reinforcing resource dependence and organizational inertia. This research contributes a pioneering digital-supply chain collaborative innovation paradigm, offering a dynamic characteristics-based explanatory framework for resolving the digital innovation paradox. Our findings provide critical theoretical and practical insights for building resilient innovation ecosystems in the digital economy.