Impact of Industry 4.0 capabilities and ambidexterity on sustainable performance of start-ups: the moderating role of resource orchestration capabilities

Purpose This study aims to analyze the interrelationship between Industry 4.0 capabilities (I4.0) i.e. artificial intelligence (AIC) and big data capabilities (BDAC), innovation ambidexterity and sustainable performance (SP) in context of start-ups. Further, the study explores the role of resource orchestration capabilities (ROC) as moderator. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted survey approach and data is collected from 307 start-up founders and their managers in Delhi-NCR region. PLS-SEM was employed to test proposed relationships and analyze the data. Findings The study confirms the significant associations between Industry 4.0 capabilities and SP with BDAC having stronger impact. AIC and BDAC also found significantly enhancing SP through explorative and exploitative innovations (EXI and EPI). Furthermore, ROC also was found to have significant moderation suggesting that efficient resource management strengthens the impact of innovation ambidexterity on sustainable performance. Originality/value This study attempts to provide a novel perspective by comprehensively evaluating I4.0 capabilities and sustainable performance in start-ups with the help of resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capability theory (DCT).