How does network intermediary affect collaborative innovation? Evidence from Chinese listed companies

Purpose This study aims to explore how network intermediaries influence collaborative innovation performance within inter-organizational technological collaboration networks.Design/methodology/approach This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative social network analysis with regression techniques to investigate the role of network intermediaries in collaborative innovation performance. Using a patent dataset of Chinese industrial enterprises, the research constructs the collaboration networks and analyzes their structural positions, particularly focusing on their role as intermediaries, characterized by betweenness centrality. Negative binomial regression analysis is employed to assess how these network characteristics shape innovation outcomes.Findings The study reveals that firms in intermediary positions enhance collaborative innovation performance, but this effect is nuanced. A key finding is that network clustering negatively moderates the intermediary-innovation relationship. Highly clustered networks, while fostering local collaboration, may limit the innovation potential of intermediaries. On the other hand, relationship strength, measured by collaboration intensity and trust among firms, positively moderates the intermediary-innovation link.Research limitations This study has several limitations that present opportunities for further research. The reliance on quantitative social network analysis may overlook the complexity of intermediaries' roles, and future studies could benefit from incorporating qualitative methods to better understand cultural and institutional factors. Additionally, cross-country comparisons are needed to assess the consistency of these dynamics in different contexts.Practical implications The study offers practical insights for firms and policymakers. Organizations should strategically position themselves as network intermediaries to access diverse information and resources, thereby improving innovation performance. Building strong trust helps using network intermediary advantages. For firms in highly clustered networks, it is important to seek external partners to avoid limiting their exposure to new ideas and technologies. This research emphasizes the need to balance network diversity with relationship strength for sustained innovation.Originality/value This research contributes to the literature by offering new insights into the role of network intermediaries, presenting a comprehensive framework for understanding the interaction between network dynamics and firm innovation.