Impact of the Regional Innovation Ecosystem on Digital Innovation and Sustainable International Competitiveness of SMEs

Purpose – The impact of the regional innovation ecosystem on the digital innovation and sustainable international competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was analyzed. This study examined how the regional innovation-based ecosystem contributes to building sustainable international competitiveness through digital innovation. Design/Methodology – This study analyzed the survey data from 427 SMEs in Chungbuk Province using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The regional innovation ecosystem was conceptualized into three dimensions: knowledge creation, intermediary facilitation, and business ecosystems. The sub-elements of each dimension were treated as independent variables to determine their impact on digital innovation and sustainable international competitiveness. Findings – The capabilities of research entities, regional innovation platforms, research and development intermediary organizations, value creation collaborators, and support and coordination infrastructure had significant effects on digital innovation and sustainable international competitiveness. Digital innovation had partial mediating effects for most innovation ecosystem factors, while large-scale research facilities had only a direct effect. Originality/value – This study expands theoretical perspectives by structuring the regional innovation ecosystem in multiple dimensions and linking it with the digital innovation and sustainable international competitiveness of SMEs. It has strategic implications for enhancing SME competitiveness and regional industrial policy in the digital transformation era.