Nonlinear relationship between innovation input and intelligent manufacturing from an absorptive capacity perspective

Intelligent manufacturing is a research focus in the academic circle, but its driving mechanism needs to be improved. This study aims to explore the impact of innovation input on intelligent manufacturing and its internal mechanism based on the theory of absorptive capacity. The study adopts the data of listed manufacturing companies in China from 2008 to 2022 to empirically examine the relationship between innovation input and intelligent manufacturing, and analyzes the moderating mechanisms of digital transformation, property rights nature, and organizational redundancy on the above relationship, as well as the mediating role of dynamic capabilities. The results show that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between innovation input and intelligent manufacturing. Digital transformation and organizational redundancy can enhance this relationship. Non-state-owned enterprises have a more significant effect in promoting the application of intelligent manufacturing than state-owned enterprises. After robustness tests and endogeneity treatment, the above results remain robust. Furthermore, the internal mechanism test reveals that dynamic capabilities play a strong mediating role between innovation input and intelligent manufacturing. This study supplements the research on the driving mechanism of intelligent manufacturing, providing theoretical references and practical guidance for manufacturing enterprises to enhance their intelligent manufacturing level. However, the sample size of this study was limited, and the heterogeneous impact of policy intervention was not fully captured. In view of this, future research can further conduct more refined group analysis and discussion on industries, or pay more attention to a comprehensive examination and analysis of policy interventions, thereby enhancing the universality of research conclusions.