INNOVATION CAPABILITIES AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION — EVIDENCE FROM UZBEKISTAN
Keywords:
innovation capabilities, export performance, supply chain innovation, entrepreneurial orientation, Uzbekistan, emerging economyAbstract
A firm may demonstrate consistent innovation activity yet still encounter difficulties in expanding
its export potential. This paper examines this paradox by analyzing how innovation capabilities influence export
performance through two mediating mechanisms: supply chain innovation and entrepreneurial orientation.
Drawing on empirical studies and official data from Uzbekistan’s export sector (2025), the study addresses
the following research question: Do supply chain innovation and entrepreneurial orientation jointly mediate the
positive relationship between innovation capabilities and export performance in Uzbek firms?
The findings provide an affirmative answer and demonstrate that these two mechanisms complement and
reinforce one another. The paper develops a conceptual framework, presents supporting analytical evidence,
and outlines practical implications for managers and policymakers in the context of Central Asian emerging
economies.
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