Interorganizational heterogeneity (HET) within platform ecosystems (PEs) has gained growing attention in enhancing collaborative innovation performance (CIP). However, the evidence regarding their causality is still fragmented and inconsistent, leading to an unclear process by which how HET influences CIP within PEs. This study aims to -reach a robust conclusion on their relationship, using a meta-analysis and drawing on resource-based view (RBV) theory and institutional theory.
Based on 66 studies with 106 independent empirical samples, subgroup and meta-regression analysis was performed to integrate findings from extant studies.
Results show that HETs, particularly operational heterogeneities in knowledge and technologies, positively correlate with firms’ CIP within PEs. Moreover, formal institutions could weaken these positive relationships, while different informal institutions exert varying effects.
Consequently, this study theoretically contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the HET−CIP relationship within PEs, by integrating large number of empirical findings and developing a holistic framework that considers both the methodological and contextual moderators. It also broadens the application and boundaries of RBV by integrating it with institutional theory in PEs. Practically, it provides managerial implications for platform leaders and complementors regarding orchestrating HETs for achieving high level of CIP within PEs.
