Dynamic capabilities in new product development – the role of operational capabilities

PurposeThis research investigated the individual and combined effects of dynamic and operational capabilities on new product success using an improved measurement instrument.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data were collected from 872 manufacturing firms in Thailand via a questionnaire survey. Then data were analyzed by covariance-based structural equation modeling.FindingsThe improved measurement instrument provided good reliability and validity. Dynamic capabilities improved new product success through operational capabilities, which fully mediated this relationship. Dynamic capabilities negatively moderated the effect of operational capabilities on new product success.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical model derived from private manufacturing company data should be further tested in service industries, public firms and nonprofit organizations.Practical implicationsThe research provided two implications: the complementarity between dynamic capabilities and operational capabilities and the measurement instruments and the industrial benchmarks.Originality/valueThis study contributes three new insights: firstly, the complementary role of dynamic capabilities and operational capabilities supporting new product success; secondly, the mediating role of operational capabilities and thirdly, the moderating role of dynamic capabilities in this relationship.