Abstract: This study focused on inventor mobility as the research context. It used the European Patent Office’s global patent database to identify and extract 24913 instances of inventor mobility from 1900 to 2015. The data were analyzed through an OLS regression model. The reliability of the research conclusions was ensured through various robustness tests such as replacement variable measurement methods and sub-sample tests. The results show that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between an inventor’s innovation continuity and the exploratory innovation level of the new team. A moderate level of innovation continuity promotes team exploratory innovation, while too much or too little continuity tends to hinder it. Moreover, team knowledge depth weakens this inverted U-shaped relationship. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of how innovation continuity affects exploratory innovation in the context of knowledge transfer and talent mobility. It also offers practical guidance for firms in talent management and team building.

Key words: Inventor mobility, Knowledge transfer, Innovation continuity, Exploratory innovation, Patent analysis