Title: Team innovation and export venture performance in SMEs: a multilevel moderated mediated model

Authors: Luu Tien Dung

Addresses: Faculty of International Economic Relations, University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract: This study aims to develop a logic for leveraging innovation resources at the team level for export venture performance. The study sample comprised 466 team leaders at 167 export and import firms in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Ha Noi, Vietnam. The data is analysed using a Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). Team innovation needs an indirect, multi-level mechanism to transfer core capabilities to export venture performance rather than a unique direct mechanism, which might contribute to the international performance of SMEs via two pathways, namely the direct mechanism of employee exploration-exploitation innovation and the buffering role as the moderator of team absorptive capacity and intermediaries of firm domestic network capacity. In addition, team-centred transformational leadership may serve as the impetus for forming a significant innovation team. This initial study contributes significantly to international business theory by using team innovation and personal and organisational resources through the lens of dynamic capabilities theory.

Keywords: firm domestic network capacity; employee exploitation innovation; employee exploration innovation; export venture performance; team absorptive capacity; team innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2025.146848

European Journal of International Management, 2025 Vol.26 No.2, pp.181 - 215

Received: 10 Sep 2022
Accepted: 14 Mar 2023
Published online: 23 Jun 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article