The impacts of ambidextrous learning balance and synergy on innovation quality

Drawing on organizational learning theory and the knowledge-based view, this study addresses the underexplored question of how ambidextrous learning affects innovation quality, particularly the moderating role of knowledge resources. We deconstruct ambidextrous learning into two dimensions, namely, balance and synergy, and we empirically investigate their effects on innovation quality using a sample of 463 listed manufacturing firms in China. We further incorporate the knowledge stock and research and development (R&D) partner diversity as critical moderators to clarify the relevant boundary conditions. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between ambidextrous learning balance and innovation quality, while ambidextrous learning synergy has a positive effect on innovation quality. Moreover, the positive effect of synergy is weakened by both the knowledge stock and R&D partner diversity. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that the negative moderating effect of the knowledge stock is stronger in high-tech industries and in highly dynamic environments, whereas the negative moderating effect of R&D partner diversity is more salient in academic‑led and weak-tie collaborations. These findings extend organizational learning theory by explaining the dual mechanisms through which ambidextrous learning influences innovation quality and by revealing the contextual constraints imposed by knowledge resources.