Absorptive capacity in European manufacturing: a Delphi study

• Published in: Industrial management + data systems Vol. 107; no. 1; pp. 37 - 51
• Main Authors: Jung-Erceg, Petra, Pandza, Krsto, Armbruster, Heidi, Dreher, Carsten
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wembley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01.01.2007
• Subjects: Absorptive capacity; Alliances; Competition; Decision making; Delphi method; Europe; Innovations; Knowledge acquisition; Knowledge capture; Manufacturing; Manufacturing industries; Organization theory; Product development; R&D; Research & development; Studies; Suppliers; Manufacturing industries; Knowledge capture; Delphi method; Europe
• ISSN: 0263-5577; 1758-5783; 0263-5577
• DOI: 10.1108/02635570710719043

Purpose - This paper sets out to discuss the results of a specific part of a Europe-wide Delphi study that considers issues of absorptive capacity in European manufacturing. Owing to the importance to competitiveness of increasing innovative capabilities in manufacturing it is highly relevant to explore how a wide community of manufacturing experts experience the phenomenon of absorptive capacity and sense future developments.Design methodology approach - A two round Delphi method was designed in which more than 3,000 experts from 22 European countries assessed 101 statements. This paper discusses eight statements focused on the issue of absorptive capacity.Findings - The results show a general consensus about the influence of different inter-firm relationships in acquiring external knowledge and a diversified knowledge structure for assimilating the acquired knowledge. The study also indicates some potential challenges and contradictions in managing inter-firm relationships and knowledge diversity as well as perceived barriers for future developments of absorptive capacity.Research limitations implications - Delphi survey is an empirical method subject to the limitation of testing or inductively building theoretical concepts.Practical implications - The results of the Delphi study are predominantly centred on policy implication and on informing strategic decision-making at manufacturing firms.Originality value - This paper discusses one of the biggest Delphi surveys ever conducted in Europe. Its comprehensiveness increases the value of the results.