A panel analysis of the moderating role of information technology on high-tech exports: absorptive capacity and global disruptions

Purpose: Supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical risks or global disasters negatively impact high-tech exports. However, the absorptive capacity (AC) of information systems can mitigate these negative impacts. This research aims to address the research question: “How does information technology absorptive capacity (ITAC) moderate the relationship between unemployment and high-tech export performance (HTEP)?” Design/methodology/approach: A research model, including the proposed relationships, is presented to address the research question using the practice-based view (PBV) as a theoretical lens. The collected data consist of 270 samples, including a 10-year panel dataset from 27 countries, to examine the adverse impact of supply chain disruptions. This research employs panel regression models with fixed and random effects estimators to evaluate the impact of unemployment on HTEP and explain the moderating impacts. Findings: The results show that unemployment negatively influences HTEP. However, ITAC significantly mitigates this negative effect on export performance during supply chain disruptions. Originality/value: This research contributes to literature by introducing ITAC as an influential moderator in high-tech export resilience. We contribute to the PBV by introducing a new moderator. Moreover, this research addresses gaps in the literature regarding how firms can adapt to global crises by building innovative capacity.