An Empirical Analysis of Relationships between Relationship Learning and Technological Innovation

Companies are facing the challenge of self-innovation because of globalization and rapid advances in technology.Technological innovation partnerships are becoming a key factor to overcome the issue and gain competitive advantages.Based on the inter-organizational learning,relationship learning,and technological innovation theories,this study decomposes the relationship learning into three mechanisms: information sharing,common understanding,and relationship memory.The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of these relationship learning mechanisms on exploratory and exploitative innovations.This study adopts the survey method to collect data from 300 manufacturers in Zhejiang province,China.Data is analyzed using statistical methods,including exploratory factor analysis,confirmatory analysis,reliability testing,and structural equation modeling.The analysis results show that learning business partnerships have positive impact on different types of technology innovation.Information sharing,common understanding,and relationship memory have significant influence on the development of exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation within enterprises.The study further extends the theory of organizational learning,technological innovation,and strategic management.Enterprises can use the findings of this study to guide them to improve learning business partnerships,as well as develop marketing,learning,and innovation management strategies.This study is concluded with limitations,and future research directions.