Intelligent resource orchestration counselor: how artificial intelligence enables enterprises’ exploratory innovation

Purpose This study aims to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts enterprises’ exploratory innovation (EI), unveiling the enabling role of AI in breakthrough creation activities. Furthermore, it seeks to analyze the underlying mechanisms and contextual factors from the perspectives of resource orchestration and knowledge absorption. Design/methodology/approach Based on resource orchestration theory (ROT), this study constructs a mediating and moderating model to examine the influencing mechanisms of AI on enterprises’ EI, including the mediating effect of absorptive capacity (AC) and the moderating effect of resource slack. A multiple regression analysis is conducted to verify the theoretical hypotheses, using the data of Chinese A-share listed companies collected from 2012 to 2021. Findings The empirical findings indicate that AI exerts a positive impact on EI. AC can mediate the relationship between AI and EI, and resource slack positively moderates such relationship. Originality/value This study advances current research on AI-driven innovation by elucidating the process by which AI bolsters the foundational capabilities of EI through the strategic orchestration and integration of resources. In addition, managerial guidance is also provided on how to leverage intelligent technologies to optimize the resource allocations in support of creative activities.