Enterprise digital innovation paradoxes： A literature review and prospects

Zhou Wenhui; Bai Yu; Zhou Yifang; Chen Xiaohong

doi:10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.03.001

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Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3) : 1-12. DOI: 10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.03.001 CSTR: 32148.14.kygl.2026.03.001

Enterprise digital innovation paradoxes： A literature review and prospects

Zhou Wenhui ¹ ,
Bai Yu ¹ ,
Zhou Yifang ² ,
Chen Xiaohong ¹^,³^,⁴

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Abstract

The effective response to the paradoxical and unified contradictions in enterprise digital innovation is not only the premise for comprehensive realization of digital innovation but also an important issue for the development of new quality productive forces driven by digital innovation. However，the academic community currently lacks a systematic review of this knowledge framework. This paper adopted a bibliometric and systematic review method，by screening 108 relevant papers from high-level domestic and international journals to organize the enterprise digital innovation paradox. It constructed a research framework of "concept classification-causes-performance-response mechanisms". The main conclusions are as follows： first，the concept of enterprise digital innovation paradox is defined，forming a three-dimensional classification system of digital technology innovation paradox，digital market innovation paradox，and digital organizational innovation paradox；second，the causes and manifestations of enterprise digital innovation paradox are summarized in the technical，market，and organizational levels；and third，19 mechanisms for coping with digital innovation paradoxes are summarized from seven theoretical perspectives： dynamic capabilities，modularity，optimal differentiation，institutional logic，data ethics，paradoxical leadership，and organizational ambidexterity. Finally，the paper has further proposed potential paradoxical issues that may arise in the future，aiming to provide a detailed theoretical basis and analytical tools for subsequent research.

Key words

enterprise digital innovation paradox / concept / classification / cause / coping mechanism / literature review

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Zhou Wenhui , Bai Yu , Zhou Yifang , et al. Enterprise digital innovation paradoxes： A literature review and prospects[J]. Science Research Management. 2026, 47(3): 1-12 https://doi.org/10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.03.001

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