Absorptive Capacity: Antecedents, Models and Outcomes
54 Pages Posted: 26 Aug 2006
Date Written: July 2003 5,
Abstract
This chapter focuses on the gap between the speed of proliferation of theoretical and empirical contributions and the speed of accumulation of the acquired scientific knowledge regarding absorptive capacity. To contribute to narrowing this gap, we will in particular review the conceptual developments of the absorptive capacity construct. Based on the seminal contributions of Cohen & Levinthal (1989, 1990) we will provide a brief overview of the various conceptual attributes of this construct, like the definition, antecedents and consequences, and levels of analysis involved. Next, we will assess the refinements, extensions and reconceptualizations of this construct in the literature. Furthermore, from the perspective of viewing models as mediating instruments between theory and empirical phenomena (Morgan and Morrison, 1999), we will analyze efforts to build conceptual models. Finally, we will address the progress made, select key problems and we will formulate future research directions to improve the multilevel and transdisciplinary characteristics of absorptive capacity.
Keywords: absorptive capacity, knowledge, innovation
JEL Classification: M, L20, L15
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?
Recommended Papers
-
Coevolution of Firm Capabilities and Industry Competition
By Marc Huygens, Charles Baden‐fuller, ...
-
Learning by Experience in the Project-Bases Organization
By John Rodney Turner, Anne Keegan, ...
-
Editorial Introduction: Organizational Transformations
By Royston Greenwood and C. R. Hinings