Effect of R&D innovation cooperation on corporate innovation: the mediating role of digital transformation capability

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, service firms face increasing pressure to adopt open innovation frameworks that actively leverage external knowledge. This study investigates the impact of Research and Development (R&D) Innovation Cooperation on Corporate Innovation within service enterprises, focusing on the structural mediating role of Digital Transformation Capability. Drawing upon the Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capability Theory, and Open Innovation Theory, a research model was developed and tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The empirical findings reveal that R&D innovation cooperation serves as a powerful antecedent that significantly enhances a firm’s digital transformation capability. Furthermore, this newly developed digital capability exerts a positive direct effect on corporate innovation by enabling data-driven decision-making and operational flexibility. Crucially, the results demonstrate that digital transformation capability plays a vital mediating role in the relationship between R&D cooperation and corporate innovation. This underscores that external knowledge acquired through collaboration yields substantial innovative performance only when successfully integrated into the firm’s internal digital dynamic processes. By explicating the inner mechanism of transforming external alliances into internal digital capabilities, this research offers valuable academic and practical insights for formulating digital innovation strategies in service industries.