The effect of dual network embeddedness on enterprise innovation performance: An empirical study from structural perspective

Embedded innovation is becoming a new paradigm of innovation. Firms' innovation activities are influenced by both knowledge elements in the knowledge network and partners in the collaborative network. This paper explored the influence of knowledge and collaboration network embeddedness on innovation performance based on biological medicine producing Chinese enterprises operating in Wuhan East Lake high-tech zone. Network visualization technology was used to analyze the impact of centrality and structure hole on enterprise innovation performance. Research analysis results showed the following findings: First, an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between enterprise innovation performance and centrality in knowledge network and the innovation performance and structural holes have a positive correlation. Secondly, enterprise innovation performance is positively related to centrality in a collaborative network. But relationship between innovation performance and the degree of structural holes insignificant. Finally, the result showed that knowledge and collaborative networks were not correlated. Recommendations for enhancing innovation performance were also presented for the enterprises.