The Influence of Succession Ability Cultivation, Family Governance Structure and Enterprise Succession Success through Innovation Ability in Family Enterprises

Family business succession represents a critical challenge threatening enterprise continuity and economic stability, with particular complexi-‎ty in innovation-intensive environments. This study examines how succession ability cultivation and family governance structure influence ‎enterprise succession success through innovation ability's mediating role in family enterprises in Shenzhen, China. Drawing on resource-‎based theory, agency theory, and stewardship theory, we develop an integrated framework proposing that succession antecedents influence ‎outcomes both directly and indirectly through innovation capabilities. Using quantitative survey data from family business stakeholders ‎representing diverse organizational roles, generations, and industries, we employ partial least squares structural equation modeling to test ‎hypothesized relationships. Results demonstrate that both succession ability cultivation and family governance structure positively influence ‎enterprise succession success, with innovation ability partially mediating these relationships, accounting for approximately half of total ef-‎fects. The findings reveal that successful succession in innovation-intensive contexts requires not only systematic successor preparation and ‎effective governance mechanisms but critically depends on developing innovation capabilities that enable adaptation and renewal during ‎leadership transitions. This study contributes to succession literature by identifying innovation as a central mediating mechanism linking ‎traditional succession factors to outcomes, demonstrating the need for context-specific succession theories acknowledging environmental ‎contingencies. Practical implications suggest family enterprises should adopt integrated approaches combining innovation-oriented succes-‎sor development, governance structures balancing stability with flexibility, and strategic prioritization of innovation capabilities. The re-‎search provides actionable guidance for family business owners, professional advisors, policymakers, and educators supporting sustainable ‎generational transitions in dynamic business environments‎.