Analyzing the impact of digital innovation ecosystem on the intelligent development in high-end equipment manufacturing industry: a dynamic QCA analysis

Purpose This study explores how the high-end equipment manufacturing industry (HEMI) achieves intelligent development through the digital innovation ecosystem. While this industry urgently needs to achieve intelligent development through innovation breakthroughs, existing research lacks a deep analysis in conjunction with the digital innovation ecosystem. Considering the sophisticated nature of HEMI and the unique characteristics of the digital innovation ecosystem, this paper aims to uncover the innovation potential and synergetic development opportunities that arise from their integration. Design/methodology/approach This study uses Dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to explore the evolving relationship between the digital innovation ecosystem and intelligent development in HEMI enterprises. Data from 60 HEMI enterprises were collected from 2015 to 2022, and the study window was divided into two-year intervals for analysis. Compared to traditional QCA methods, this approach overcomes the limitations of cross-sectional analysis, fully accounting for time’s influence on causal relationships for more accurate results. Findings The study reveals that the digital innovation ecosystem of HEMI drives intelligent development through the coordinated interactions of its elements within each time window. Configuration paths and key driving factors evolve dynamically, reflecting the complexity of the ecosystem’s role in driving intelligent development. The study suggests that enterprises dynamically adjust their strategies to different stages, enhancing the effectiveness of intelligent transformation. Originality/value The paper proposes and validates a digital innovation ecosystem framework for HEMI, systematically exploring its role in driving intelligent development. The study fills a research gap and extends innovation ecosystem theory by identifying core driving factors and their evolutionary trends through Dynamic QCA. It offers a new perspective on the dynamic role of digital innovation ecosystems in intelligent transformation.