Abstract From the perspective of dynamic capabilities, this study investigates the relationships between imitators’ dynamic capabilities and self-dependent innovations. Analysis based on 336 firm questionnaires indicate these three kind of imitator capabilities are all positively related to self-dependent innovation performance, however, critical industrial preconditions are required:①when modularization level of the industrial structure is low, imitators’ recombination capability is harmful to self-dependent innovations;②the more uncertain the industrial technologies are, the less contribution of imitators’ absorptive capabilities to self-dependent innovations is;③as local market demand is at high level and standardized, the less possibilities that intelligence capabilities lead to self-dependent innovations are achieved. Finally, clustering analysis shows that the most successful imitators under nowadays environment are those carrying high level of intelligence and absorptive capabilities and moderate level of combinative capability. Overall, these results demonstrate that imitation is a feasible way to self-innovations, however, managers should carefully manage their imitation strategy portfolios under specific industrial conditions.
2017, Vol. 14 
