AI orientation, global value chain collaboration, and the international performance of entrepreneurial firms: a technology affordance theory perspective

Purpose Based on the technology affordance theory, this study aims to explore the relationship among artificial intelligence (AI) orientation, global value chain collaboration (collaboration breadth and collaboration depth) and the international performance of entrepreneurial firms while considering the contingency of board international experience. Design/methodology/approach This study’s sample was selected using the Sci-Tech Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange in China from 2019 to 2023, from which 1,928 final usable observations from 570 entrepreneurial firms over five years were obtained. Findings The empirical results indicate that AI orientation positively affects both collaboration breadth and collaboration depth of the global value chain. In addition, both collaboration breadth and collaboration depth mediate the relationship between AI orientation and the international performance of entrepreneurial firms, and board international experience enhances the positive effect of AI orientation on collaboration breadth. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on AI orientation, global value chain and board international experience by introducing the technology affordance theory into the international performance of entrepreneurial firms, and it provides managerial implications for entrepreneurial firms and government policymaking.