Abstract: With the accelerated iteration of digital technology,forming research & development (R&D) alliances with different innovative entities has become an important strategic choice for enterprises to achieve a breakthrough in digital- technology innovation. R&D alliances can significantly enhance the level of digital technology innovation in enterprises. The larger the technological distance between alliance partners is and the smaller geographical distance between the partners is,the more significant the enhancement effect of R&D alliances will be on digital-technology innovation of enterprises. Besides,promoting knowledge flow among alliance partners is an important mechanism for R&D alliances to enhance the level of digital-technology innovation of enterprises. Lastly,the impact of R&D alliances on digital-technology innovation of enterprises varies among different types of alliances and enterprises,with industry-university-research institute alliances,enterprises with strong capacities of knowledge absorption and private enterprises demonstrating a more significant effect.

Key words: R&, D alliances, enterprise digital technology innovation, knowledge flow, alliance partners