WHAT’S GOING ON IN ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY STUDIES? RESEARCH FRONTS ON ORGANISATIONAL KNOWLEDGE ABSORPTION

Abstract

Absorptive capacity (ACAP) is one of the most active themes in knowledge management literature. The topic is extensively mentioned in several relevant research fields, including innovation, organisational learning and strategic management. In this study, we employed bibliographic coupling to analyse the extant academic literature published in order to detect research fronts on the theme. Our sample includes 2,072 papers published in the last four years, which is in line with our basic intent to investigate the latest academic research. Papers included in the core research front highlight the role of ACAP as an organisational ability to assess new valuable knowledge, aiding the development of organisational capabilities. The role of knowledge absorption capacity in alliance networks, open innovation processes, intra-organisational learning, as well as exploratory and exploitative initiatives are the other relevant research fronts identified. We suggest the proposed implications of the analysis as material for further research on the theme.