Searching in ambiguity: knowledge supply chain partnerships development in commercialization of enabling technology

Purpose To support the commercialization of enabling technologies (ETs) in Industry 5.0, it is essential to recognize that the inherent features of ETs present challenges for startups, which will necessitate modifications to their approach in developing supply chain partnerships. Consequently, this study aims to elucidate how ET startups develop supply chain partnerships for knowledge search in the context of ambiguity. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a qualitative multi-case study and selects six companies in China that develop ETs conducive to the implementation of Industry 5.0 for cross-case analysis. Findings This study develops a process model that identifies three discontinuous phases in the development of the knowledge supply chain of ET startups: approaching, linking and communitizing. Additionally, it identified three critical junctures of joint sensemaking as the outcome of each phase. Originality/value This study makes three major contributions to the literature. First, by introducing the ambiguity of ETs, this study expands the research context of the literature related to knowledge-based supply chain development. Second, it adopts “cognition-affect-behavior” framework, and explores how the startups in the development of their knowledge supply chain in ambiguity. Third, it emphasizes that such partnerships will ultimately evolve into a knowledge community, which goes beyond the understanding of traditional supply chain research.