As complex product innovation systems become increasingly ecosystem-based, managing interdependencies is critical for innovation and competitive advantages. This study aimed to investigate how geographic, social, and technological interdependence affect exploratory innovation (EI) within innovation ecosystems. It further explores the mediating role of corporate niche width (CNW) and overlap (CNO), and the moderating effect of platform ecosystem embeddedness (PEE).
We tested the hypotheses with a negative binomial regression model, using panel data from 895 listed Chinese equipment manufacturing firms.
Geographic and technological interdependence negatively affect EI, while social interdependence has a U-shaped relationship with EI. The mediating mechanism indicated that CNW positively mediates all three interdependence–EI relationships. Conversely, CNO buffers technological interdependence's negative effects on EI. Moderation analysis revealed that PEE attenuates the negative effect of geographic interdependence on EI and weakens the curvilinear relationship between social interdependence and EI.
Our findings enhance understanding of how external interdependence shapes EI in complex product ecosystems by deconstructing interdependence into geographic, social, and technological dimensions and emphasizing the roles of corporate niche positioning and PEE. This study extends knowledge of EI, relationship governance, niche theory, and platform ecosystems, offering a more nuanced perspective and managerial guidance on relational and ecosystem strategies in open innovation contexts.
