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Heterogeneous network location, digitalization, and patent applications in China
1School of Economics and Management, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, China. libx509@163.com.
Scientific Reports
|November 18, 2025
Summary
Heterogeneous Knowledge Transfer Networks (HKTNs) evolve dynamically, with key positions enhancing firm innovation. Digitalization impacts structural holes more than centrality in this process.
Area of Science:
- Network Science
- Innovation Management
- Organizational Dynamics
Background:
- Effective knowledge transfer is vital for firm innovation.
- Understanding the evolution of knowledge transfer networks is essential.
- Heterogeneous Knowledge Transfer Networks (HKTNs) represent complex inter-firm relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the dynamic characteristics of HKTNs.
- To explore the evolutionary impact of network positions on firm innovation.
- To investigate the moderating role of digitalization.
Main Methods:
- Construction of HKTNs using complex relational data (2011-2020).
- Application of Social Network Analysis (SNA).
- Utilized Negative Binomial Regression for evolutionary effect analysis.
Main Results:
- Dynamic shifts in information control and influence positions within HKTNs.
- Evolutionary centrality and structural holes significantly boost firm innovation.
- Digitalization negatively moderates the structural hole-innovation link, with no significant effect on centrality.
Conclusions:
- Network position dynamics are critical for knowledge transfer and innovation.
- Strategic positioning within HKTNs can enhance innovation capabilities.
- Digitalization's impact on innovation is contingent on network structure.
