Network Competence’s Impact on Service Innovation Performance: Mediating Role of Relationship Learning

Abstract

In the unfolding knowledge-based economy, services do matter. But while they increasingly seem to play a pivotal role in innovation processes, there has been little systematic analysis of this role. Combined with the existing literatures, based on the service science theory, network competence theory and relationship learning theory, this paper analyzes the service innovation and the service innovation performance thoroughly. The paper constructs a structure equation model containing an intermediary variable. Through an empirical test of 243 enterprises of South China, this paper draws the following conclusions: 1) network competence has a positive impact on service innovation performance; 2) network competence has a significantly positive impact on relationship learning; 3) relationship learning has a positive impact on service innovation performance; 4) relationship learning plays a mediating role between the relationship of network competence and service innovation performance. This paper provides beneficial guidance for service innovation activities and strengthens the competitive advantage of service industry.