Absorptive capacity and innovation in the triple helix model. (20th December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garner, Cathy; Ternouth, Philip
• Is Part Of: International journal of knowledge-based development. Volume 2:Number 4(2011)
• Page Start: 357
• Page End: 371
• Publication Date: 2011-12-20
• Subjects: absorptive capacity -- knowledge transfer -- universities -- business -- knowledge-based development -- innovation systems; Knowledge management -- Periodicals; City planning -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 307.116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-4468

Abstract

This paper explores the role of absorptive capacity in determining innovation capabilities at two levels. First, it seeks to examine the concept of absorptive capacity at the firm-level by highlighting the dynamic nature of the concept in relation to the university-business dyad of the triple helix model. Second, it examines the role of absorptive capacity and the triple helix partnership in facilitating the successful development of local innovation systems. The paper synthesises a number of research studies on the topic of absorptive capacity and importantly tests their conceptual and theoretical propositions against case study exemplars and practice-based evidence to examine the relevance of the concept for practitioner action in business-university knowledge exchange and local economic development.