Uncovering the impact of technology convergence on innovation quality: From the perspective of ego-network dynamics pathway

This paper examines the mediating effect of R&D alliance network dynamics on the relationship between technology convergence and firm innovation quality, it further investigates the moderating effect of degree assortativity in the inventor network. An empirical analysis is conducted based on a panel negative binomial regression model with data of Chinese high-tech firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock from 2000 to 2018. The results show that novel technology convergence not only contributes to innovation quality directly but also indirectly through ego-network expansion. The relationship between reinforced technology convergence and innovation quality is inverted U-shaped, partially mediated by ego-network stability. In addition, degree assortativity suppresses the effects of novel technology convergence on ego-network expansion and innovation quality and steepens the inverted U-shaped relationships of reinforced technology convergence with ego-network stability and innovation quality. This paper contributes to the relevant literature by revealing the links between technology convergence, ego-network dynamics, and innovation quality, and emphasizing the importance of inventor collaboration ties formation mechanism in knowledge searching and convergent innovation. Furthermore, the conclusion provides managerial suggestions for high-tech firms to coordinate internal and external resources to improve technical impacts.