{"title":"Beyond Linear Paths: Configurations of Networks, Knowledge, and Dynamic Capabilities for Sustainable MSMEs","authors":"Ruchi Mishra, K. B. Kiran","doi":"10.1002/bse.71634","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Despite extensive research on entrepreneurial business networks (EBNs), knowledge management (KM), and dynamic capabilities (DC), three questions remain theoretically underdeveloped and empirically unexplored in resource‐constrained MSMEs. These concern the integrative mechanisms through which EBN and KM jointly cultivate DC, the differential mediation logic of DC across sustainability outcome types, and the configurational pathways through which these constructs collectively produce sustainability outcomes. Using PLS‐SEM and fsQCA on data from 316 manufacturing MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh, India, this study finds that DC fully mediates the effects of EBN and KM on sustainable competitiveness (SComP), whereas sustainable performance (SP) retains direct network and knowledge effects, reflecting its operational proximity to resource inputs. The necessity analysis confirms no single condition is individually necessary for high SP, and fsQCA reveals nine equifinal configurations, showing that high SP is achievable through multiple strategic routes. These findings offer actionable insights for managers and policymakers in emerging‐economy contexts.","PeriodicalId":9518,"journal":{"name":"Business Strategy and The Environment","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.2000,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Business Strategy and The Environment","FirstCategoryId":"91","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.71634","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"BUSINESS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Despite extensive research on entrepreneurial business networks (EBNs), knowledge management (KM), and dynamic capabilities (DC), three questions remain theoretically underdeveloped and empirically unexplored in resource‐constrained MSMEs. These concern the integrative mechanisms through which EBN and KM jointly cultivate DC, the differential mediation logic of DC across sustainability outcome types, and the configurational pathways through which these constructs collectively produce sustainability outcomes. Using PLS‐SEM and fsQCA on data from 316 manufacturing MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh, India, this study finds that DC fully mediates the effects of EBN and KM on sustainable competitiveness (SComP), whereas sustainable performance (SP) retains direct network and knowledge effects, reflecting its operational proximity to resource inputs. The necessity analysis confirms no single condition is individually necessary for high SP, and fsQCA reveals nine equifinal configurations, showing that high SP is achievable through multiple strategic routes. These findings offer actionable insights for managers and policymakers in emerging‐economy contexts.
期刊介绍:
Business Strategy and the Environment (BSE) is a leading academic journal focused on business strategies for improving the natural environment. It publishes peer-reviewed research on various topics such as systems and standards, environmental performance, disclosure, eco-innovation, corporate environmental management tools, organizations and management, supply chains, circular economy, governance, green finance, industry sectors, and responses to climate change and other contemporary environmental issues. The journal aims to provide original contributions that enhance the understanding of sustainability in business. Its target audience includes academics, practitioners, business managers, and consultants. However, BSE does not accept papers on corporate social responsibility (CSR), as this topic is covered by its sibling journal Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. The journal is indexed in several databases and collections such as ABI/INFORM Collection, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, BIOBASE, Emerald Management Reviews, GeoArchive, Environment Index, GEOBASE, INSPEC, Technology Collection, and Web of Science.