新一轮科技革命和产业变革加速演进，新技术呈现爆发式增长态势，专精特新企业是突破关键核心技术的主体。基于创新搜寻理论视角，选取机床制造领域一家专精特新企业作为案例研究对象，深度解构其如何通过创新搜寻实现关键核心技术突破。研究发现：①专精特新企业通过识别与集中有限资源进行重点突破，实现资源利用效率最大化；②专精特新企业通过持续搜寻掌握外部技术与市场信息后快速响应市场变化，通过“搜寻—学习—验证”过程实现关键核心技术突破。研究结论有助于丰富专精特新企业关键核心技术突破理论，为企业提供实践指导。

In the context of increasing global competition in technological innovation,specialized,sophisticated, differential and innovative (SSDI) enterprises have become vital forces in tackling bottlenecks in core technologies. The current research on core technology breakthroughs in SSDI enterprises mainly focuses on the influencing factors in the breakthroughs, and exhibits limitation in examining how early-stage enterprise innovation resource search mechanisms influence breakthroughs in core technologies and the subsequent development of core technology ecosystem during post-breakthrough phases. To address the inadequacies, this study takes the analytical lens of innovation search to elucidate the mechanisms underlying core technology breakthroughs in SSDI enterprises. The analysis is centered on the following questions: What are the stage-specific constraints encountered by SSDI enterprises in their development? How do SSDI enterprises deploy innovation search strategies to address these constraints? Through what pathways do innovation search mechanisms enable core technology breakthroughs in SSDI enterprises?
This study employs a longitudinal processual single-case study method and selects Jiangxi Union of Science and Technology(JUST) as the sample. The company has evolved from a small technology-oriented start-up into a leading firm in its niche market. Over two decades, it has been deeply engaged in the field of independent research and development of machine tool technology, continuously overcoming technological challenges and achieving breakthroughs in core technologies with full experience of the entire "preparation-research-innovation" process.
The corporate data was obtained through a variety of methods, including field research, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and secondary data collection. This approach established a diversified data source, thereby ensuring the validity and reliability of the data. Data analysis was conducted using the established case study coding approach to systematically conceptualize the phenomenon. Building on innovation search theory, the study constructs an analytical framework of “search-learning-validation” and explores the internal mechanisms underlying core technology breakthroughs in SSDI enterprises.
From the perspective of the full life cycle of core technology breakthroughs, the development of SSDI enterprises exhibits distinct phases. In the initial stage of development, SSDI enterprises typically commence their technological trajectory by leveraging the foundational capabilities and resources within established technological domains. During this period, SSDI enterprises predominantly engage in resource expansion attempts along the pre-existing technological trajectories. As enterprises accumulate strength, they transition into the mid-stage of development and acquire additional resources and allocate more capital towards technological research and development. Concurrently, they enhance their managerial skills to iteratively upgrade existing resources, gradually venturing outward to explore and learn. However, external constraints and blockades often impede technological progress. To surmount these obstacles, enterprises intensify resource allocation, continuously engage in outward exploration and learning, and leverage market dynamics and external resources to compensate for their deficiencies once the barriers are overcome. When the market environment evolves, enterprises are compelled to adapt swiftly. At this juncture, SSDI enterprises tend to cooperate with other organizations, share resources and knowledge. Enterprises then engage in diversified learning to explore multiple potential technological pathways and achieve technological breakthroughs. Meanwhile, validation mechanisms, including pilot tests and industry collaboration, play a crucial role in transforming search outcomes into scalable innovations. The entire process represents a dynamic developmental trajectory characterized by a transition from internal to external focus, from closed to open systems, and from singular to diverse approaches. It underscores the significance of rational resource allocation, rapid market adaptation, and continuous technological learning and innovation.
Unlike general SMEs or large firms, SSDI enterprises rely on focused, long-term search strategies tailored to their industry niches. The study provides practical implications for policymakers and enterprise managers aiming to foster innovation-driven development. By optimizing search strategies and resource allocation, SSDI enterprises can better navigate technological uncertainties and enhance their competitiveness in global markets.