From the Perspective of Innovation Diffusion to Explore Supply Chain Collaborative Innovation: Knowledge Sharing as a Mediator

In the context of today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the imperative for cooperative innovation has never been more critical. The focal point of this study is to dissect the intricate dynamics of how relative advantage and compatibility serve as pivotal drivers for cooperative innovation, particularly through the conduit of knowledge sharing. By delving into the mediating role of knowledge sharing, the research aims to uncover the nuanced interplay between these elements and their collective impact on collaborative innovation efforts within the supply chain. Empirical data for this investigation was meticulously collected from 254 managerial professionals who are actively engaged in the manufacturing supply chain sector within China. The findings from this study illuminate the significant direct contributions of relative advantage and compatibility to the facilitation of knowledge sharing among supply chain partners. More importantly, it was observed that this enhanced level of knowledge sharing serves as a crucial mediator, amplifying the effects of relative advantage and compatibility on cooperative innovation.