Research on the Impact of R&D Structure Modularity on Radical Innovation of Scientific and Technological Innovation Enterprises

Abstract

Abstract: Radical innovation is a critical pathway for Science and Technology Innovation Enterprises (STIEs) to gain competitive advantages. As the organizational foundation for addressing complex innovation challenges, R&D structure plays a significant role in driving radical innovation. However, existing literature has yet to provide a clear explanation of its impact and underlying mechanisms. Based on resource orchestration theory, this study constructs a chain mediation model to explore the impact of R&D structure modularity on radical innovation in STIEs and its underlying mechanisms. A survey of 322 STIEs reveals that R&D structure modularity has a significant positive impact on radical innovation. Entrepreneurial bricolage and organizational playfulness dynamism play mediating effects between the R&D structure modularity and radical innovation, and the chain mediating effect of entrepreneurial bricolage and organizational playfulness dynamism is significant. The mediating role of entrepreneurial bricolage in the relationship between R&D structure modularity and radical innovation is moderated by the enterprise life cycle, showing significant mediation effects in the start-up and growth stages but not in the maturity stage. In contrast, the mediating role of organizational playfulness dynamism is not moderated by the enterprise life cycle. The research conclusion reveals the conditions for STIEs to achieve radical innovation from the perspective of R&D structure, offering reference for innovation management practices in STIEs.

Key words: R&D structure, modularity, entrepreneurial bricolage, organizational playfulness dynamism, radical innovation

Wang Xianglu, Luo Jinlian, Zhang Chao, Jiang Xinhua. Research on the Impact of R&D Structure Modularity on Radical Innovation of Scientific and Technological Innovation Enterprises[J]. Management Review, 2026, 38(2): 69-80.

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