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Absorptive capacity and autonomous R&D climate roles in firm innovation

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  • Huang, Kuo-Feng
  • Lin, Ku-Ho
  • Wu, Lei-Yu
  • Yu, Pang-Hsiang

Abstract

Absorptive capacity is frequently an outcome of a firm’s cumulatively path-dependent R&D investments. However, the query how absorptive capacity transforms R&D investment into firm innovation, in the context of autonomous R&D climate remains unclear. Using 165 firms in the Taiwan’s information and communication technology industry, the results indicate that absorptive capacity partially mediates the relationship between R&D investment and firm innovation. Absorptive capacity accounts for 36% effects of R&D investment on firm innovation. The result also shows a negative moderating effect of R&D autonomy on the relationship between absorptive capacity and firm innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Kuo-Feng & Lin, Ku-Ho & Wu, Lei-Yu & Yu, Pang-Hsiang, 2015. "Absorptive capacity and autonomous R&D climate roles in firm innovation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 68(1), pages 87-94.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:68:y:2015:i:1:p:87-94
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2014.05.002
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