The effects of searching for external knowledge on firm innovation vary, as demonstrated by evidence reporting positive linear, negative linear, or curvilinear relationships. We use ambidexterity theory to explain how the exploratory and exploitative aspects of knowledge search and strategic intent can complement each other. Specifically, we theorize that a firm’s dominant logic creates an overall strategic intent – exploration or exploitation – through the firm’s structured interpretation and use of information, which creates a differential effect on the relationship between search practices and firm innovation. In particular, exploratory intent accentuates the positive effects of external search by enabling the assimilation of external knowledge, while an exploitative intent attenuates the positive effects of a search by limiting the use of external information to improving current products. Analyzing firm-level survey, financial information, and the number of patents of 380 firms, we provide empirical support for the effects of a dominant strategic intent on external searches and firm innovation.

证据表明正线性，负线性或曲线关系表明，寻找外部知识对企业创新的影响各不相同。我们使用歧义理论来解释知识搜索和战略意图的探索性和开发性方面可以如何互补。具体而言，我们认为，公司的主导逻辑通过公司的结构化解释和信息使用来创建总体战略意图（探索或开发），从而对搜索实践与公司创新之间的关系产生不同的影响。探究性意图尤其可以通过吸收外部知识来增强外部搜索的积极作用，同时，通过限制使用外部信息来改善当前产品，剥削意图削弱了搜索的积极作用。通过分析公司层面的调查，财务信息以及380家公司的专利数量，我们为主导战略意图对外部搜索和公司创新的影响提供了经验支持。