International Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting Research (IJEBAR)
Vol 10 No 2 (2026): IJEBAR: Vol. 10, Issue 2, June 2026

THE ROLE OF INNOVATION CAPABILITY IN ENHANCING SME COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA'S DIGITAL ECONOMY

Bangun Prajadi Cipto Utomo (Universitas Duta Bangsa Surakarta)
Tri Djoko Santosa (Universitas Duta Bangsa Surakarta)
Ilham Sentosa (Universiti Business School, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jun 2026

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has intensified competition among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), requiring firms to continuously innovate, respond effectively to market changes, and leverage organizational knowledge to sustain competitive advantage. Although previous studies have examined these factors independently, limited research has investigated the integrated effects of open innovation, market orientation, and knowledge management on competitive advantage through innovation capability, particularly in emerging economies. This study examines the direct and indirect relationships among these variables using survey data collected from 200 Indonesian SMEs operating in manufacturing, trade, and service sectors. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that open innovation (β = 0.284), market orientation (β = 0.317), and knowledge management (β = 0.298) positively and significantly influence innovation capability. Furthermore, innovation capability significantly enhances competitive advantage (β = 0.412) and partially mediates the effects of the three antecedent variables. The model explains 68.4% of the variance in innovation capability and 74.1% of the variance in competitive advantage. These findings highlight innovation capability as a strategic mechanism that transforms knowledge resources, external collaboration, and market intelligence into sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly digital economy.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJEBAR

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

International Journal of Economics, Business, and Accounting Research (IJEBAR) is a peer-reviewed, open access international scientific journal dedicated for rapid publication of high-quality original research articles as well as review articles in all areas of Economics, Business and Accounting. ...