The impact of AI capability on responsible innovation in high-tech SMEs from the perspective of the knowledge-based view

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies brings numerous opportunities andchallenges to business innovation. Understanding how firms can leverage AI technologies to create business value, propose responsible solutions to social problems, and achieve sustainable development has become important. Based on the knowledge-based view (KBV), a theoretical model is proposed to examine the impact of AI capability on responsible innovation. The study focuses on the mediating role of boundary-spanning search and the moderating roles of knowledge field activity and tech-for-good culture. Hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping are applied to data from 520 Chinese high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The results indicate that AI capability positively influences responsible innovation. This relationship is fully mediated by boundary-spanning search. Knowledge field activity and tech-for-good culture moderate the relationships between AI capability and boundary-spanning search and between boundary-spanning search and responsibleinnovation. They also moderate the indirect effect of boundary-spanning search on the relationship between AI capability and responsible innovation. This study contributes to the literature on AI capabilities and innovation outcomes. It also provides practical insights for managers of high-tech SMEs and policymakers to foster responsible innovation.