The impact of business intelligence adoption on ambidextrous innovation in the UAE healthcare sector: a serial mediation model

Purpose Although the literature highlights the importance of business intelligence adoption (BIA) and its linkage to individual aspects of innovation, the explicit mechanisms by which BIA can effectively enhance ambidextrous innovation remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship between BIA and ambidextrous innovation in healthcare organizations, while focusing on the roles of BI-enabled decision-making (DM) and effective health systems responsiveness (EHSR). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method was used; structured questionnaire was distributed to healthcare professionals in UAE. Data was collected from 510 participants using a cross-sectional survey, and the relationships among constructs were analyzed using SEM to test both direct and indirect effects. Findings The results indicate that BIA positively impacts ambidextrous innovation both directly and indirectly. BI-enabled DM and EHSR were found to significantly mediate the relationship between BIA and ambidextrous innovation, with a notable serial mediation effect. Practical implications This research provides empirical insights into the mechanisms by which BIA enhances ambidextrous innovation through BI-enabled DM and EHSR. Practically, it offers healthcare leaders guidance on how to leverage BI systems not just for data analytics, but also as tools to improve decision-making and effective responsiveness, ultimately driving innovation. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to explore the serial mediation of BI-enabled DM and EHSR in the relationship between BIA and ambidextrous innovation. It contributes to the dynamic capability (DC) and organizational ambidexterity literature by showing how BIA serves as a dynamic capability that enhances ambidextrous innovation in healthcare organizations.