scholarly journals SMEs embedded in collaborative innovation networks: How to measure their absorptive capacity?

2020 ◽  
Vol 159 ◽  
pp. 120196
Author(s):  
Lamiae Benhayoun ◽  
Marie-Anne Le Dain ◽  
Carine Dominguez-Péry ◽  
Andrew C. Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Innovation Networks ◽  
Collaborative Innovation

CHARACTERISING ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY SUPPORTING SMEs’ LEARNINGS WITHIN COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION NETWORKS: INSIGHTS FROM MULTI-LEVEL CASE STUDIES

2020 ◽  
pp. 2150047
Author(s):  
LAMIAE BENHAYOUN ◽  
MARIE-ANNE LE-DAIN ◽  
CARINE DOMINGUEZ-PÉRY
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Innovation Networks ◽  
Reciprocal Learning ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprise ◽  
Collaborative Innovation ◽  
Medium Enterprise ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Contextual Setting

Through collaborative innovation networks (CINs), SMEs access valuable knowledge which requires the deployment of their absorptive capacity (ACAP) to be efficiently used. A small and medium enterprise (SME) absorbs this knowledge to fulfil reciprocal learning for achieving the network innovation goal, but also one-way learning to individually improve its performance. Nevertheless, no study explains how these opposing learnings unfold for SMEs in CINs to guide their ACAP deployment. Based on three cases of CINs including SMEs and two focus groups, we propose a characterisation of ACAP supporting SMEs’ learnings within CINs. As a result, an SME deploys acquisition, assimilation and application actions and attitudes to contribute to the CIN’s setting-up and operational stages, while fulfilling one-way learning. These practices have different focuses and intensity according to the network stage and the SME’s contextual setting. Hence, this study highlights the peculiarities of ACAP that enable SMEs in CINs manage the interplay between reciprocal and one-way learnings.

Absorptive capacity and network orchestration in innovation communities – promoting service innovation

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu Nätti ◽  
Pia Hurmelinna-Laukkanen ◽  
Wesley J. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Innovation Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Loosely Coupled ◽  
Firm Competition ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Traditional Sense

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of service innovation in networks. Especially the most loosely coupled forms of innovation networks, innovation communities, can be valuable in service innovation, but may not be manageable in the traditional sense. Rather, they may require orchestration characterized by discreet guidance that also accommodates the specific nature of services. Through informed orchestration, it is possible to deal with several contingencies, and influence the absorptive capacity at the network level to generate new service innovations. Design/methodology/approach – These issues are examined through literature review and a case study. Findings – The findings suggest that individual orchestration mechanisms may be more closely connected to certain contingencies than others, and that both orchestration mechanisms and contingency factors have a role in absorptive capacity development within service innovation networks. Research limitations/implications – While the case study approach limits the possibility to make wide generalizations, the in-depth insights provide valuable knowledge. Practical implications – There has been a shift from inter-firm competition towards competition between networks of organizations, increasing relevance of absorptive capacity at the network level. Originality/value – Despite the recent increase in service innovation literature, research on service innovation taking place in networks is scant. Knowledge on some aspects can be derived from more traditional notions on technological innovation, but both the distinctive features of services and central characteristics of innovation networks make it necessary to reconsider some of the established views. In particular, managing – or rather orchestrating – service innovation is still a challenging area.

Absorptive capacity, innovation networks and products: SME in the Basque Country

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Castro Spila ◽  
Liliana Rocca ◽  
Andoni Ibarra ◽  
Imanol Pradales ◽  
Nagore Perez Vega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Basque Country ◽  
Innovation Networks
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