Title: Enterprise awareness and dual innovation: What kind of manager played a good role?

Authors: Ren Wanyu; Cao Yuxuan; Yue Li

Addresses: School of Economics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China ' Finance and Economics School of Statistics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300222, China ' School of Economics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China

Abstract: The innovation strategy of enterprises has different directions, and the impact of innovation consciousness on the selection of dual innovation has research value. Enterprise managers, as important creators of awareness, also play a crucial role in innovation activities. Based on this, this study takes the perspective of managerial characteristics and examines the impact of enterprise consciousness on dual innovation, as well as the role played by managers, using Chinese listed companies from 2012 to 2022 as samples. The findings of this study are as follows. First, enterprise innovation awareness significantly promotes dual innovation activities, with a stronger effect on incremental innovation. Second, the impact of enterprise innovation awareness on dual innovation varies depending on the size and ownership structure of the enterprise. Third, managers play an important role in enterprise innovation, with younger, higher-educated, and more adventurous managers displaying stronger innovation intentions. Finally, the study confirms that female managers have a motivating effect on enterprise innovation. Our research provides positive insights and valuable references for Chinese enterprises to enhance their innovation quality.

Keywords: enterprise awareness; incremental innovation; radical innovation; manager characteristics; innovation strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2026.151643

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2026 Vol.20 No.1, pp.27 - 51

Received: 24 Jul 2024
Accepted: 22 Sep 2025
Published online: 11 Feb 2026 *

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