Examining the Interplay Between Blockchain Capability and Big Data Analytics Capability in Driving Sustainable Product Innovation: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Blockchain and big data analytics hold huge potential for enhancing sustainable product innovation. However, the current understanding of how blockchain and big data analytics affect sustainable product innovation remains underexplored. Drawing on an information technology–driven organizational capability perspective and resource complementarity theory, this study develops a research model to examine the impacts of blockchain capability and big data analytics capability on sustainable product innovation using a mixed-methods approach. In the quantitative analysis (Study 1), which employs survey data from 207 Chinese agricultural enterprises, results reveal that both capabilities positively affect sustainable product innovation via supply chain integration. The interaction between these capabilities enhances supply chain integration only when the two technologies are well aligned. Corporate social responsibility has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between supply chain integration and sustainable product innovation but does not significantly impact the link between capabilities and supply chain integration. In the qualitative analysis (Study 2), the results of semistructured interviews with six senior top or middle managers from agricultural enterprises reinforce the findings from Study 1. Moreover, blockchain cost and market positioning are found to be potential boundary conditions. This research provides insights and practical guidance for leveraging blockchain and big data analytics to enhance sustainable product innovation.