Leveraging data resourcing services for new venture performance: a mediation analysis of data-driven digital capabilities

Purpose This study aims to investigate how new ventures can enhance their performance by leveraging data resourcing services provided by digital incubators, and to elucidate the mediating role of data-driven digital capabilities in this process. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the resource orchestration theory, this study develops a “resource-capability-performance” analytical framework. It examines the effects of two types of data resourcing services on new venture performance and investigates the mediating role of data-driven digital capabilities. The hypotheses are empirically tested using survey data collected from 415 Chinese new ventures embedded within digital incubators. Findings The results show that data resource integration services have an inverted U-shaped impact on data-driven digital capabilities and new venture performance, while data resource reconstruction services have a positive impact on data-driven digital capabilities and new venture performance. Furthermore, data-driven digital capabilities not only positively influence new venture performance but also play a crucial mediating role in the impact of data resource integration and reconstruction services on new venture performance. Originality/value This study adopts the perspective of new ventures and employs a large-sample empirical design to enrich the literature on digital incubation and resource orchestration. It examines the differentiated impacts of different types of data resourcing services on new venture performance and reveals how new ventures unlock the value of these services by developing data-driven digital capabilities.