The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Orientation in Big Data Analytics Capability-Value Creation

Many studies on big data analytics provide empirical evidence showing that Big Data Analytics Capabilities (BDAC) do not always result in value creation or competitive advantage. This study sheds light on how entrepreneurial orientation (EO) mediates the relationship between big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) and value creation in SMEs. The study employed a mixed-method design, integrating desk research, executive interviews, and a survey of 447 Canadian SME leaders. Partial least squares structural equation modelling(PLS-SEM) analysis, supported by reliability and validity diagnostics, common-method-bias tests, and model-fit assessments, ensured the robustness of results and enabled triangulation across methods. Findings reveal that EO mediates the BDAC–value creation relationship, suggesting that SMEs with stronger EO leverage BDAC more effectively. Thus, developing EO is essential for unlocking BDAC's value-creation potential. A practical implication for senior executives is that employing EO – proactiveness, risk-taking, and innovativeness – can lead to better leverage of BDAC insights for value creation. A theoretical implication is that EO can complement other organizational capabilities such as analytics culture to extract greater value from BDAC. The empirical evidence provided in this study complements previous studies that have examined other mediators such as analytics culture and absorptive capacity. It provides additional insights into how SMEs can leverage their BDAC for value creation by being more innovative, proactive and encouraging risk-taking across the organization.