Impacts of Social Network Characteristics on Digital Seizing Capabilities and Sustainable Performance: Evidence from Advanced Manufacturing Clusters in China
Abstract
This study examines how Social Network Relational Characteristics (SNRC) and Social Network Structural Characteristics (SNSC) influence Sustainable Performance (SP) in China’s advanced manufacturing clusters, with the mediating role of Digital Seizing Capability (DSZC). Drawing on Social Network Theory and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, SP is modeled as a second-order construct comprising economic, environmental, and social performance. Survey data from 236 firms in eight national-level clusters were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).Results show that SNRC directly and indirectly enhance SP through DSZC, while SNSC impacts SP only indirectly via DSZC. This highlights DSZC as a critical mechanism for converting network advantages into sustainability outcomes. The study advances theory by integrating relational and structural network dimensions with dynamic capabilities and offers practical guidance for managers and policymakers to strengthen network relationships and digital capabilities to foster sustainable competitiveness in the Industry 4.0 era.
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