Relationship divisive faultlines and subgroup reciprocity in technological innovation networks: Analysing the sequential mediating role

Abstract

In the context of the knowledge economy, the complexity of technological innovation networks is increasing, leading to the formation of relationship divisive faultlines among innovation stakeholders based on varying levels of proximity. While this phenomenon gives rise to both intra-subgroup and inter-subgroup reciprocity within the network, there has been limited exploration of the relationship between relationship divisive faultlines and subgroup reciprocity. Drawing on faultlines theory, cohesive subgroup theory, and organizational learning theory, this study analyses global patent data in the unmanned aerial vehicle field from 2002 to 2021 to construct a technological innovation network. Empirical findings reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between relationship divisive faultlines and subgroup reciprocity. Specifically, knowledge search and knowledge absorption partially mediate this relationship. These results highlight the sequential mediating role of knowledge search and absorption in influencing subgroup reciprocity within technological innovation networks, contributing valuable insights to subgroup theory.