External dependence on digital technology: How does it affect R&D models?

IF 12.5 1区社会学 Q1 SOCIAL ISSUES

Technology in Society Pub Date : 2025-10-03 DOI:10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103097

Yiming Tong , Zhaoxi Han

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The development of digital technology brings new opportunities for firms’ R&D. However, how technology dependence caused by unbalanced digital technology distribution affects R&D innovation is still not clear. Using the data from listed high-tech manufacturing firms in China from 2012 to 2020, this study explores how external dependence on digital technology influences firm’s R&D models. The findings indicate that external dependence on digital technology restricts independent R&D but promotes external collaborative R&D. It also has an inverted U-shaped effect on intra-group collaborative R&D. Based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the results reveals that technology diversification, cross-boundary experience, team scale, and knowledge integration capability can strengthen the relationship between external dependence on digital technology and R&D models. Further analysis shows that this relationship is more pronounced in regions with fierce industry competition and strong policy support. This study improves the understanding of how external dependence on digital technology affects firm’s R&D models, and expands the literature on digital innovation and R&D management. The findings also highlight the role of TOE factors in managing digital technology dependence and offer valuable insights for improving inter-organizational digital collaboration and facilitating digital transformation.

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数字技术的外部依赖：如何影响研发模式？

数字技术的发展为企业的研发带来了新的机遇。然而，数字技术分布不平衡所导致的技术依赖对研发创新的影响尚不清楚。本文利用2012 - 2020年中国高科技制造业上市公司的数据，探讨了外部数字技术依赖对企业研发模式的影响。研究结果表明，对数字技术的外部依赖制约了企业的自主研发，但促进了企业的外部协同研发。对团队内部协作研发也有倒u型效应。基于技术-组织-环境（technology - organization - environment， TOE）框架的研究结果表明，技术多元化、跨界经验、团队规模和知识整合能力能够强化数字技术外部依赖与研发模式之间的关系。进一步分析表明，这种关系在行业竞争激烈、政策支持力度大的地区更为明显。本研究增进了对数字技术的外部依赖如何影响企业研发模式的理解，并扩展了关于数字创新和研发管理的文献。研究结果还强调了TOE因素在管理数字技术依赖方面的作用，并为改善组织间数字协作和促进数字化转型提供了有价值的见解。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Technology in Society Multiple-

CiteScore

17.90

自引率

14.10%

发文量

316

审稿时长

60 days

期刊介绍： Technology in Society is a global journal dedicated to fostering discourse at the crossroads of technological change and the social, economic, business, and philosophical transformation of our world. The journal aims to provide scholarly contributions that empower decision-makers to thoughtfully and intentionally navigate the decisions shaping this dynamic landscape. A common thread across these fields is the role of technology in society, influencing economic, political, and cultural dynamics. Scholarly work in Technology in Society delves into the social forces shaping technological decisions and the societal choices regarding technology use. This encompasses scholarly and theoretical approaches (history and philosophy of science and technology, technology forecasting, economic growth, and policy, ethics), applied approaches (business innovation, technology management, legal and engineering), and developmental perspectives (technology transfer, technology assessment, and economic development). Detailed information about the journal's aims and scope on specific topics can be found in Technology in Society Briefings, accessible via our Special Issues and Article Collections.