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Absorptive Capacity: Antecedents, Models and Outcomes

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  • van den Bosch, F.A.J.
  • van Wijk, R.A.J.L.
  • Volberda, H.W.

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.

Suggested Citation

  • van den Bosch, F.A.J. & van Wijk, R.A.J.L. & Volberda, H.W., 2003. "Absorptive Capacity: Antecedents, Models and Outcomes," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2003-035-STR, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    • Handle: RePEc:ems:eureri:334
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrei Constantin TIRNOVANU & Marian NASTASE & Julia Anamaria SISU & Narcis RADUCAN, 2023. "Approaches To Knowledge Transfer Between Innovative Organizations To Increase Competitiveness And Sustainable Development," Proceedings of the INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 17(1), pages 330-337, November.
    2. Dominique Baruel Bencherqui & Mohamed Kefi, 2019. "Capacité d'absorption et brevets : les maillons incontournables de la chaîne de compétitivité de l'entreprise," Post-Print hal-02872858, HAL.
    3. Baaij, M.G. & van den Bosch, F.A.J. & Volberda, H.W., 2005. "How Management Consulting Firms Influence Building and Leveraging of Clients’ Competences: Towards a conceptual framework," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2005-079-STR, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    4. Tobias Schmidt, 2010. "Absorptive capacity-one size fits all? A firm-level analysis of absorptive capacity for different kinds of knowledge," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(1), pages 1-18.
    5. Constantina Kottaridi & Marina Papanastassiou & Christos Pitelis & Dimitrios Thomakos, 2007. "The Multinational Corporation and the global sourcing of knowledge: Remodeling absorptive capacity," Working Papers 008, University of Peloponnese, Department of Economics.
    6. Jansen, J.J.P. & van den Bosch, F.A.J. & Volberda, H.W., 2005. "Managing Potential and Realized Absorptive Capacity: How do Organizational Antecedents matter?," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2005-025-STR, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    7. Mireia Fernandez-Ardevol & Josep Llados Masllorens, 2010. "Determinants of Science-Based Cooperation: Evidence from a Sample of Small and Micro Firms," MIC 2010: Social Responsibility, Professional Ethics, and Management; Proceedings of the 11th International Conference, Ankara, 24–27 November 2010 [Selected Papers],, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper.
    8. Gema Albort-Morant & Jörg Henseler & Gabriel Cepeda-Carrión & Antonio L. Leal-Rodríguez, 2018. "Potential and Realized Absorptive Capacity as Complementary Drivers of Green Product and Process Innovation Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-20, February.
    9. Lewandowska Małgorzata Stefania, 2015. "Capturing Absorptive Capacity: Concepts, Determinants, Measurement Modes and Role in Open Innovation," International Journal of Management and Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of World Economy, vol. 45(1), pages 32-56, March.
    10. Hamel, Nadia & Schrecker, Ted, 2011. "Unpacking capacity to utilize research: A tale of the Burkina Faso public health association," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(1), pages 31-38, January.
    11. Mai, Nhat Chi, 2021. "Analysis of Changes in Comparative Advantages of the Manufacturing in Vietnam and Comparison with China," OSF Preprints e9avy, Center for Open Science.
    12. Roberto Vivona & Mehmet Akif Demircioglu & David B. Audretsch, 2023. "The costs of collaborative innovation," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(3), pages 873-899, June.
    13. Nguyen, Thi Xuan Thu & Diez, Javier Revilla, 2019. "Less than expected—The minor role of foreign firms in upgrading domestic suppliers—The case of Vietnam," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(6), pages 1573-1585.
    14. Vlačić, Ernest & Dabić, Marina & Daim, Tugrul & Vlajčić, Davor, 2019. "Exploring the impact of the level of absorptive capacity in technology development firms," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 166-177.
    15. van den Bosch, F.A.J. & Baaij, M.G. & Volberda, H.W., 2005. "How Knowledge Accumulation changed the Competitive Advantage of Strategy Consulting Firms," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2005-026-STR, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    16. Sara Alonso-Muñoz & Eva Pelechano-Barahona & Rocío González-Sánchez, 2020. "Participation in Group Companies as a Source of External Knowledge in Obtaining and Making Profitable Radical Innovations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-19, September.
    17. Lin, Hai-Fen & Su, Jing-Qin & Higgins, Angela, 2016. "How dynamic capabilities affect adoption of management innovations," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(2), pages 862-876.
    18. N. Elangovan, 2016. "Mediation of Perceived Innovation Characteristics on ERP Adoption in Industrial Cluster," International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 13(03), pages 1-19, June.
    19. Carmela Elita Schillaci & Marco Romano & Melita Nicotra, 2012. "Science Parks and Entrepreneurship: Enhancing Territorial Absorptive Capacity in a Hostile Region," DSI Essays Series, DSI - Dipartimento di Studi sull'Impresa, vol. 28.
    20. Schillaci Carmela Elita & Romano Marco & Nicotra Melita, 2013. "Territory’s Absorptive Capacity," Entrepreneurship Research Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 3(1), pages 109-126, January.
    21. Henk W. Volberda & Nicolai J. Foss & Marjorie A. Lyles, 2010. "PERSPECTIVE---Absorbing the Concept of Absorptive Capacity: How to Realize Its Potential in the Organization Field," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 21(4), pages 931-951, August.
    22. Djerdj Horvat & Carsten Dreher & Oliver Som, 2019. "How Firms Absorb External Knowledge — Modelling And Managing The Absorptive Capacity Process," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 23(01), pages 1-35, January.
    23. van Wijk, R.A.J.L. & van den Bosch, F.A.J. & Volberda, H.W. & Heinhuis, S.M., 2005. "Reciprocity of Knowledge Flows in Internal Network Forms of Organizing," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2005-024-STR, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    24. Bogers, Marcel & Foss, Nicolai J. & Lyngsie, Jacob, 2018. "The “human side” of open innovation: The role of employee diversity in firm-level openness," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(1), pages 218-231.
    25. Camisón, César & Forés, Beatriz, 2010. "Knowledge absorptive capacity: New insights for its conceptualization and measurement," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 63(7), pages 707-715, July.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    absorptive capacity; innovation; knowledge;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General
    • M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics

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