Enhancing Sustained Competitive Advantage in Indonesian Non-vocation Private Tertiary Education Institutions

Abstract

The impact of KIC (knowledge infrastructure capability) on KAC (knowledge absorption capacity), KIC on KAC, and AIN (ambidextrous innovation) on SCA (sustainable competitive advantage) has been studied in different contexts and countries, yielding varying results. Therefore, the generalizability of research findings should be carefully scrutinized. As far as the researchers know, empirical research on a theoretical framework on the effect of KIC and SCA mediated sequentially by KAC and ambidextrous innovation (AIN) remains lacking. This study investigates the impact of KIC, KAC, AIN, and SCA. A theoretical framework was built to empirically test the impact of KIC on SCA mediated by KAC and AIN. A survey used a saturated sample of 55 multi-raters from non-vocation private tertiary education institutions unit of analysis in Indonesia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is a statistical technique utilized to evaluate and test hypotheses within a particular theoretical framework. The study results indicate a positive and significant influence sequentially between KIC on KAC, KAC to AIN, and AIN to SCA. Knowledge management produces innovations that ultimately increase competitiveness. The findings of this empirical study establish a basis for future research that will demonstrate the direct causal relationship between KIC, KAC, and AIN within the context of the Indonesian non-vocational private tertiary education sector (INVPTES) in the province of West Java. Sequentially, KIC, KAC, and AIN are the keys to improving SCA.