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Threshold effects, technology purchasing, and firm outcomes: An absorptive capacity perspective

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  • Sun, Zhongjuan
  • Yu, Zhu
  • Wang, Cizhi
  • Fang, Hanqing

Abstract

External technology purchasing is frequently adopted as a strategy to facilitate technology innovation and to enhance firm performance. However, research shows that there is considerable heterogeneity across firms with respect to innovation output and firm performance after technology purchasing. This study uses an absorptive capacity perspective in proposing the existence of an R&D employees threshold and a technology purchasing scale threshold. Using a sample of 1460 high-tech companies in China, we find support for both thresholds. We also find that the two variables are complementary with each other, jointly promoting innovation when both thresholds are crossed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Zhongjuan & Yu, Zhu & Wang, Cizhi & Fang, Hanqing, 2023. "Threshold effects, technology purchasing, and firm outcomes: An absorptive capacity perspective," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ememar:v:55:y:2023:i:c:s1566014122000905
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ememar.2022.100973
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technology purchasing; Innovation; Threshold effect; Absorptive capacity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General
    • M11 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Production Management
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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