Big data capability, technical knowledge search, and green technology innovation: A mixed methods study

To address environmental challenges and achieve high-quality development, governments worldwide are actively encouraging companies to engage in green technology innovation. Concurrently, more companies are building big data capability to enhance their core competitiveness. However, research on the relationship between big data capability and green technology innovation remains limited, mainly focusing on the “linear effect.” Specifically, little is known about the potential mechanisms underlying the synergistic matching effect and the more complex “nonlinear” configuration between the two aspects. Accordingly, based on the knowledge-based view and resource orchestration theory, this study employs a mixed research method—combining hierarchical regression, analysis of variance, and fsQCA, following a progressive research process of “linear-matching-configuration effects”—to explore the complex influence mechanism between the two aspects. This study focuses on the following problems: 1) Does technical knowledge search serve as an intermediary? and 2) Which matchings or configuration paths between capabilities could better promote green technology innovation? The empirical results demonstrate a “linear net effect” between big data capability and green technology innovation, with technology knowledge search serving as a mediator. Furthermore, the four distinct matches of big data and data governance capabilities exert differing influences on green technology innovation. Using fsQCA for fine-grained analysis, we identify three distinct configurational pathways that lead to high green technology innovation. Among them, the synergistic alignment of data element acquisition capability, data analysis coupling capability, data element application capability, and data governance capability constitutes an optimal configuration that ensures better case coverage. Leveraging mixed methods, this study offers a multidimensional perspective on the intricate mechanisms linking big data capability to green technology innovation. This research responds to scholars’ theoretical calls and provides diverse practical guidance on how enterprises can enhance green technology innovation through big data capability.