Unveiling the impact of the congruence between intra- and inter-industry knowledge spillovers on firm productivity

Purpose Drawing upon knowledge spillovers theory, this study aims to examine the effects of (in)congruence between inter- and intra-industry knowledge spillovers on firm productivity and explore the moderating role of technological intensity. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the data of A-share listed firms in China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2008 to 2020, this study uses polynomial regression and response surface analysis to test the hypotheses. Findings The results reveal that congruence between inter- and intra-industry knowledge spillovers enhances firm productivity more than incongruence. Furthermore, high–high congruence between inter- and intra-industry knowledge spillovers improves firm productivity to a greater extent than low–low congruence. In addition, high–low incongruence between inter- and intra-industry knowledge spillovers improves firm productivity more than low–high incongruence. Finally, technological intensity strengthens the positive effect of congruence between inter- and intra-industry knowledge spillovers on firm productivity. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on knowledge spillovers and productivity by demonstrating that congruence between inter- and intra-industry knowledge spillovers boosts firm productivity.