Technology Transfer across Organizational Boundaries: Absorptive Capacity and Desorptive Capacity

Ulrich Lichtenthaler, Eckhard Lichtenthaler · 2010 · California Management Review

Summary. This paper introduces the concept of desorptive capacity—a firm's ability to identify and transfer technology outward to other organizations. While research typically focuses on absorptive capacity (the recipient's ability to receive technology), the authors argue that understanding the technology source's capabilities is equally critical for successful technology transfer through alliances and licensing. Market knowledge and desorptive capacity explain why firms struggle with outbound technology transfer strategies.

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@article{lichtenthaler-2010-technology-transfer-across-organizational-boundaries,
  title   = {Technology Transfer across Organizational Boundaries: Absorptive Capacity and Desorptive Capacity},
  author  = {Ulrich Lichtenthaler and Eckhard Lichtenthaler},
  journal = {California Management Review},
  year    = {2010},
  doi     = {10.1525/cmr.2010.53.1.154},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2010.53.1.154}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Technology Transfer across Organizational Boundaries: Absorptive Capacity and Desorptive Capacity
AU  - Ulrich Lichtenthaler
AU  - Eckhard Lichtenthaler
JO  - California Management Review
PY  - 2010
DO  - 10.1525/cmr.2010.53.1.154
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2010.53.1.154
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1525/cmr.2010.53.1.154

Countries

Germany, Switzerland

Regions

Europe

Categories

innovation-theory, innovation-networks, general-innovation

Added

2026-04-28