Design Thinking, Serendipity, and Digital Innovation

ABSTRACT Drawing on the insights of dynamic capabilities theory, this paper studies the relationship between design thinking and digital innovation. Using data from 159 entrepreneurs, this paper finds that entrepreneurs' design thinking can promote their firm digital innovation. This effect is mediated by the serendipity encountered by entrepreneurs, and the mediating effect of serendipity is strengthened when environmental dynamism is higher. This paper contributes to the emerging literature at the intersection of design thinking and digital innovation by proposing a mediating role of serendipity.