The Impact of Digital Platform Capability on New Product Development Performance in Technology-Based Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

How digital platforms enable enterprises to achieve innovation performance remains a critical concern for managers in the context of the digital economy. Drawing on platform empowerment theory and the knowledge-based view, this study analyzes data from 256 Chinese technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to investigate the mechanisms through which digital platform capability (DPC) influences new product development (NPD) performance. The results reveal that: (1) DPC has a significant positive effect on NPD performance; (2) knowledge management (KM) partially mediates the relationship between DPC and NPD performance; and (3) digital culture (DC) positively moderates both the direct relationship between DPC and KM and the mediating role of KM. These findings make a theoretical contribution to the digital platform literature and address an existing research gap concerning how technology-based SMEs leverage KM to engage with digital platforms and enhance innovation. From a practical standpoint, this study provides actionable insights for technology-based SMEs to develop DPC, implement effective KM practices, and foster a supportive digital organizational culture.