Model for the Development of Absorptive Capacity in Incubated Companies

ABSTRACT

This study proposed a model for the development of absorptive capacity in incubated business, and their impacts on the innovativeness and organizational performance of companies incubated in the Brazilian context. The research was carried through the application of a questionnaire with incubator managers of Brazilian companies, where 141 respondents participated. Additionally, in the data analysis, Structural Equation Modeling was used. The following were perceived as precursors to the use of knowledge: the knowledge of professionals and assistance in capturing knowledge. Through these relationships, Potential Absortive Capacity had a strong relationship with Received Absortive Capacity, which demonstrated an excellent relationship with innovativeness and organizational performance. These findings allow the development of incentive policies that lead to assertive incubated companies in Brazil, in addition to academically advancing the discussion on the combination of characteristics that are necessary and must be developed in incubated companies through the proposed model.

KEYWORDS
Innovation; Absorptive capacity; Business incubator; Structural Equation Modeling