Abstract: In the digital economy era, pursuing the “specialized, refined, differentiated, and innovative (SRDI)” development path is an important strategic pathway for the high-quality growth of small- and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) in China. Based on the theory of firm endogenous growth mechanism, this study explores the intrinsic mechanisms and boundary conditions of the digital technology application empowering the growth of SMEs. Empirical analysis reveals that the digital technology application enhances the growth of SMEs by strengthening their “SRDI” strategic orientation. However, the impact of digital technology application on SMEs’ “SRDI” strategic orientation is moderated by external market conditions and the SMEs’ ability to acquire ecological resources. Specifically, the more intense the market competition or the easier the access to ecological resources, the weaker the impact of digital technology application on the “SRDI” strategic orientation. The study enriches the theory of firm endogenous growth in the digital economy era and provides guidance for SMEs to undertake digital transformation and achieve sustainable growth.

摘要： 在数字经济时代，走“专精特新”发展道路是我国中小企业高质量成长的重要战略路径。本研究基于企业内生成长理论，探索数字技术应用赋能中小企业成长的内在机制和边界条件。实证分析发现，数字技术应用能够促进中小企业成长，该促进作用通过增强中小企业“专精特新”战略导向实现；数字技术应用对中小企业“专精特新”战略导向的影响程度，会受到外部市场环境和企业生态资源获取能力的影响，即当市场竞争越激烈或生态资源获取越容易时，数字技术应用对中小企业“专精特新”战略导向的促进作用越弱。研究结论丰富了数字经济时代企业内生成长理论，有助于指导中小企业开展数字化建设和实现持续健康成长。