Measuring dynamic absorptive capacity in national innovation surveys
ISSN: 0025-1747
Article publication date: 14 May 2020
Issue publication date: 22 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The dynamic capability view reshaped the understanding of how firms can achieve a sustained competitive advantage through innovation. However, studies based on national innovation surveys have not incorporated this vision when measuring absorptive capacity, especially the evolutionary aspects of dynamic capabilities. This study addresses this gap.
Design/methodology/approach
We empirically validate a scale using a national innovation survey based on the Oslo Manual standards. Using a five-wave survey, we demonstrate the scale's reliability, convergent and discriminant validity and stable structure across industries and over time.
Findings
This research integrates the dynamic capability literature with absorptive capacity measurement to propose and validate a multi-item and bidimensional scale for national innovation surveys.
Originality/value
We provide a measurement model that captures an evolutionary conceptualization of absorptive capacity as a dynamic capability. Hence, our contribution enhances the quality and validity of studies on absorptive capacity and advances the understanding of how firms develop and deploy absorptive capacity to drive performance.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was conducted as part of the dissertation of the first author under the supervision of the second author. The authors thank for the insightful comments on earlier drafts of the manuscript provided by Prof. Dr. Fred Gault and the participants of the Globelics PhD Academy (2016) and the British Academy of Management Conference (2018). Further, we thank the reviewers for their careful reading of the manuscript and their constructive remarks. We also would like to thank the technical assistance of Glaucia Ferreira and Leandro Veloso, and the data access granted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Financial support was provided by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).
Citation
Alves, M.F.R. and Galina, S.V.R. (2021), "Measuring dynamic absorptive capacity in national innovation surveys", Management Decision, Vol. 59 No. 2, pp. 463-477. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-05-2019-0560
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited