Exploring the Effect of Industrial Internet Platform Utilization on Technology Management Capability in SMEs: Evidence from China

Abstract

This study investigates how industrial internet platforms (IIPs), as external knowledge resources, enhance the technology management capabilities of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) during digital transformation stage. While existing studies have largely overlooked the role of such platforms in improving firms' technology management capabilities, we have addressed this gap by analyzing 4,290 annual report observations from listed Chinese manufacturing SMEs (2017-2022). We innovatively measure technology management capabilities through both process and outcome dimensions. Employing multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) and propensity score matching (PSM)-DID methods, the results demonstrate that IIPs significantly strengthen SMEs' technology management capabilities. The effects vary across ownership structures and regional contexts, highlighting the moderating role of institutional and geographic factors. These findings advance understanding of platform-driven capability building in manufacturing digitization.