How knowledge-based dynamic capabilities relate to firm performance: the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation

To examine how knowledge-based dynamic capabilities relate to firm performance through the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation, we analyzed data of a sample of 1047 Portuguese and Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of all industry sectors. The results reveal that knowledge-based dynamic capabilities are associated with firm performance and that the relationship is partially mediated by a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation. This mediation could be explained by the fact that an entrepreneurial orientation to identify and utilize new opportunities is integral to knowledge value creation and extraction, and to avoid pervasive rigidities. Our study sheds light on the mechanisms through which knowledge-based dynamic capabilities are associated with firm performance and helps to explain performance differences among firms. In addition, we provide management insight on how firms can deploy their knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and extract value from them to face change and promote their entrepreneurial orientation and performance.