The impact of supplier network on green innovation performance

Objective Based on social capital theory and resource dependence theory, this study examines how supplier network structural characteristics (centrality and interconnectedness) and content characteristics (green knowledge diversity) influence green innovation performance, and identifies the moderating roles of three contingency factors: green innovation strategic orientation, supplier green innovativeness, and green absorptive capacity. Design/methods/approach Using a sample of 332 manufacturing firms from China’s 2024 Green Manufacturing List, we collected supplier relationship data from 2010 to 2024 to construct a panel dataset. Network metrics were calculated using UCINET, and hypotheses were tested using firm-year fixed effects regression, with lagged explanatory variables and system GMM employed to address endogeneity concerns. Findings Supplier network centrality, interconnectedness, and green knowledge diversity all have significant positive effects on green innovation performance. Green knowledge diversity positively moderates the relationship between structural characteristics and performance. In addition, green innovation strategic orientation strengthens the effect of centrality, supplier green innovativeness strengthens the effect of interconnectedness, and green absorptive capacity strengthens the effect of green knowledge diversity. Originality/Value This study integrates network structure and content into a unified framework, revealing their complementary effects on green innovation. It systematically identifies three multi-level contingency factors and clarifies the boundary conditions for translating network advantages into performance. By focusing on the Chinese green manufacturing context, it provides empirical evidence for green supply chain management in emerging economies and contributes to SDG 9 and SDG 12.