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Absorptive capacity and business performance

Xue‐Yuan Liu, Haiyun Zhao, Xiande Zhao · 2018 · Industrial Management & Data Systems

Summary. A study of 278 Chinese manufacturing firms shows that absorptive capacity—a firm's ability to acquire and use new knowledge—improves business performance through three pathways: directly, and indirectly through innovation and mass customization capabilities. Mass customization proved a stronger mediator than innovation alone, suggesting firms should prioritize both knowledge absorption and the ability to customize production at scale.

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Liu, X., Zhao, H., & Zhao, X.. (2018). Absorptive capacity and business performance. Industrial Management & Data Systems. https://doi.org/10.1108/imds-09-2017-0416

Details

DOI
10.1108/imds-09-2017-0416
Countries
China
Regions
Asia
Categories
innovation-theory, regional-innovation-systems, general-innovation
Added
2026-04-28