ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY, INNOVATION, AND EXTERNAL SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE: THE BRAZILIAN POWER SECTOR¹

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

This paper discusses the relationship between absorptive capacity, external sources of knowledge, and innovation in the context of the power sector. In doing so, we follow the theoretical debate over absorptive capacity dimensions. We focus on the statistical testing of Zahra and George’s (2002) absorptive capacity construct to identify whether their dimensions find support in reality. We consider that the external environment encompasses both scientific and industrial sources of knowledge, which influence absorptive capacity.

Originality/value:

Zahra and George’s (2002) model initiated the debate of the absorptive capacity dimensions, and it is disseminated in literature. However, it is poorly tested. There is still a research gap related to the empirical validation stage of the absorptive capacity construct itself. Our research tries to decrease this gap, testing Zahra and George’s (2002) absorptive capacity construct in a Brazilian company’s context.

Design/methodology/approach:

The research design was quantitative. A survey was applied to 402 industrial firms. We used multivariate sta tistical techniques and the structural models were tested by Partial Least Squares (PLS).

Findings:

Zahra and George’s (2002) construct of absorptive capacity was proved, and innovation, as well as the external sources types of knowledge, are related to it. The absorptive capacity is contingent on types of external knowledge.

KEYWORDS:
Absorptive capacity; Innovation; External sources of knowledge; Scientific and industrial knowledge; Power sector.