How the relationship quality of owner-contractor affects technological innovation performance in megaprojects: the mediating role of resource orchestration

Purpose Technological innovation in megaprojects represents a form of innovation that transcends enterprise boundaries and relies on close collaboration among innovators. The relationship between project owners and contractors is crucial for the successful technological innovation in megaprojects. However, limited research investigates the mechanism of how the owner–contractor relationship effectively affects technological innovation in the context of megaprojects. This study aims to explore the effect of relationship quality (RQ) on the technological innovation performance (TIP) of megaprojects from an owner–contractor perspective. Design/methodology/approach Based on the resource orchestration theory framework, this study develops a mechanism through which owner–contractor RQ influences the megaprojects’ TIP and examines the mediating roles of three sub-processes of resource orchestration–resource structuring (ROS), resource bundling (ROB) and resource leveraging (ROL). Using data collected from 192 professionals involved in megaprojects, this study empirically tests the conceptual model using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Findings Results indicate that owner–contractor RQ positively impacts both TIP and resource orchestration in megaprojects. ROB and ROL play a partial mediating role, whereas ROS does not have a substantial mediating effect. Originality/value This paper verifies the positive effect of the owner-contractor RQ on the TIP of megaprojects and reveals the development mechanisms for utilizing ROB and ROL to enhance TIP. The findings can guide owners and contractors in strengthening their relationship to better manage and coordinate resources, thereby improving TIP in megaprojects.