Promote or inhibit: the impact of multilateral relationships of complementary enterprises on their low-carbon technology adoption in platform ecosystem

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the influence mechanism of complementary enterprises’ multilateral relationships on their low-carbon technology (LCT) adoption within a platform ecosystem. We examine the moderating role of platform technology architecture. Design/methodology/approach With the lens of social network theory, we develop a framework to explore the effects of dependency and coopetition between complementary enterprises and the platform enterprise and coopetition among complementary enterprises on their LCT adoption. Platform technology architecture is employed as a moderating variable in the proposed model. We empirically test this framework with data from Chinese manufacturing firms. Findings Our empirical findings show that the dependency relationship (DR) between complementary enterprises and the platform enterprise exhibits an inverted U-shaped correlation with LCT adoption. Similarly, both cooperation and competition within coopetition relationships, whether among complementary enterprises or between them and the platform enterprise, also demonstrate inverted U-shaped relationships with LCT adoption. Furthermore, the modules’ synergistic specificity strengthens the relationship between LCT adoption and DR. Platform openness amplifies the association between LCT adoption and competition between complementary enterprises and platform enterprises. However, the moderating effect of the interfaces’ conformability proves to be insignificant. Originality/value These findings provide theoretical support for platform enterprises, complementary enterprises and governments to promote LCT adoption within the framework of the platform ecosystem. Strategic LCT adoption in platform ecosystems can accelerate platform-mediated sustainability transitions, directly supporting China’s carbon peak and neutrality targets.