PPE volatility helps upgrade the operational infrastructure to further improve the gains from R&D volatility. Despite higher R&D volatility, lower PPE volatility could limit the operational renewal of the capabilities that the firm needs to manage its materials, manufacturing, planning, and supply chain. Higher PPE volatility enhances the knowledge from R&D and the operations' ability to meet quality, cost, and reliability standards. Lower PPE volatility also reflects lower manufacturing flexibility because firms do not retire operational assets despite the increasing R&D volatility. Against this background, the second hypothesis is:H2. The relation between R&D volatility and a firm's growth is strongerwith a higher level of PPE volatility.