Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore how IT competency and knowledge capabilities jointly influence collaboration during new product development (NPD), addressing a gap in the existing literature that typically investigates these factors independently.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes resource orchestration theory to investigate interactions among knowledge capabilities (social integration, knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation) and IT competency (flexible and assimilated digitization). Data were collected from 327 responses representing 105 firms and empirically analyzed to identify their combined impact on NPD collaboration.
Findings
The findings reveal a significant positive impact on NPD collaboration when IT competency interacts with knowledge capabilities. Individually, knowledge exploitation capability does not significantly influence collaboration. Similarly, IT competency alone has no direct effect, emphasizing those technological competencies must be integrated with social knowledge processes to maximize collaborative outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
Organizations should strategically integrate technological and social elements in their collaborative processes. Specifically, enhancing flexible digitization combined with social integration and knowledge exploration capabilities can substantially improve collaboration effectiveness in NPD projects.
Originality/value
This research extends the existing literature by demonstrating the critical role of simultaneously orchestrating knowledge capabilities and IT competency in optimizing NPD collaboration. It highlights the importance of balancing technological tools with social interactions.
The study aims to explore how IT competency and knowledge capabilities jointly influence collaboration during new product development (NPD), addressing a gap in the existing literature that typically investigates these factors independently.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes resource orchestration theory to investigate interactions among knowledge capabilities (social integration, knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation) and IT competency (flexible and assimilated digitization). Data were collected from 327 responses representing 105 firms and empirically analyzed to identify their combined impact on NPD collaboration.
Findings
The findings reveal a significant positive impact on NPD collaboration when IT competency interacts with knowledge capabilities. Individually, knowledge exploitation capability does not significantly influence collaboration. Similarly, IT competency alone has no direct effect, emphasizing those technological competencies must be integrated with social knowledge processes to maximize collaborative outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
Organizations should strategically integrate technological and social elements in their collaborative processes. Specifically, enhancing flexible digitization combined with social integration and knowledge exploration capabilities can substantially improve collaboration effectiveness in NPD projects.
Originality/value
This research extends the existing literature by demonstrating the critical role of simultaneously orchestrating knowledge capabilities and IT competency in optimizing NPD collaboration. It highlights the importance of balancing technological tools with social interactions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Knowledge Management |
| Early online date | 29 Jul 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 29 Jul 2025 |
Keywords
- Collaborative technologies
- Competency fit
- Digitization
- Knowledge capabilities
- New product development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Strategy and Management
- Management of Technology and Innovation