Innovation persistence in platform ecosystems: the mediating role of knowledge flow

Purpose This study aims to examine how platform access influences innovation persistence. Drawing on the knowledge-based view (KBV), it investigates the mediating roles of explicit and tacit knowledge flows and the moderating role of corporate openness. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses are empirically examined using a panel sample of 13,925 firm-year observations from A-share listed companies over the period 2015–2022. A difference-in-differences (DID) model is used to estimate the effect of platform access, while a series of regression analyses are conducted to test the mediation and moderation effects. Findings Platform access positively affects innovation persistence. Both explicit and tacit knowledge flows serve as mediating mechanisms, with explicit knowledge flow playing a more prominent mediating role. Moreover, these effects are more pronounced among firms with greater openness. Originality/value This study highlights the role of platform access in fostering innovation persistence and clarifies how explicit and tacit knowledge flows mediate this relationship. It extends the KBV into the context of platfor m ecosystems and provides new evidence on how firms develop capabilities to achieve innovation persistence in platform environments.