Knowledge Sharing, Social Capital, dan Kinerja UMKM Sektor Fashion: Peran Mediasi Inovasi dalam Era Ekonomi Digital

Abstract

Digital economic transformation requires SMEs to enhance innovation capability, knowledge management, and business networking to maintain business competitiveness. However, fashion SMEs in West Java still face limitations in knowledge sharing practices and the utilization of social capital, which affect business performance. This study aims to analyze the influence of knowledge sharing and social capital on innovation and SME performance, as well as examine the mediating role of innovation in these relationships. The study employed a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design and a cross-sectional method. The research population consisted of fashion SMEs in West Java, with 240 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The results indicate that knowledge sharing and social capital have a positive effect on SME innovation. Knowledge sharing and innovation significantly influence SME performance, while social capital does not directly affect SME performance. Furthermore, innovation mediates the relationship between knowledge sharing and social capital on SME performance among fashion SMEs in West Java. This study highlights the strategic role of innovation in transforming knowledge resources and social relationships into improved SME business performance in the digital economy era.

Keywords: knowledge sharing, social capital, innovation, SME performance, fashion SMEs, digital economy