The impact of multi-dimensional social capital in collaborative R&D networks on firm innovation resilience: the moderation of knowledge network cohesion

Purpose This study constructs a theoretical model based on social capital theory to examine the impact of multi-dimensional social capital in collaborative R&D networks on firm innovation resilience, with global and local cohesion of knowledge networks as the moderating variables. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature on social capital, knowledge absorptive capacity and innovation resilience, this study proposes a conceptual model and advances several hypotheses. Panel data from 3,480 firm-year observations of 218 Chinese automobile manufacturing firms spanning the years 2001–2022 are utilized for the empirical analysis. Findings Results indicate that structural, relational and cognitive social capital in collaborative R&D networks all have positive effects on firm innovation resilience. Local cohesion of knowledge network is found to weaken the positive effects of structural, relational and cognitive social capital on firm innovation resilience. In contrast, global cohesion of knowledge networks strengthens the positive impact of structural, relational and cognitive social capital on firm innovation resilience. Practical implications This study examines the impact mechanisms of cooperative R&D network social capital in different dimensions on firm innovation resilience at the firm level. It can guide firms with limited resources and capabilities on how to accumulate specific dimensions of social capital to enhance their innovation resilience. Originality/value Although previous studies have suggested that social capital is conducive to firm innovation, few studies have linked social capital in collaborative R&D networks to firm innovation resilience in terms of theoretical discussions or empirical analyses. This study captures the impact mechanisms of multi-dimensional social capital in collaborative R&D networks on firm innovation resilience from a comprehensive perspective. In addition, this study emphasizes that the structural characteristics of the knowledge base (knowledge network cohesion) are a boundary condition for social capital in collaborative R&D networks to influence firm innovation resilience.