The moderating role of technological collaboration in the relationship between absorptive capacity and servitization: an open innovation approach in high-tech industries
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 26 December 2023
Issue publication date: 27 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Absorptive capacity, technological collaboration and servitization are analyzed to establish ways to overcome the balance between products and services in manufacturing companies. A fresh perspective is introduced by presenting a framework for innovation strategy, moving beyond product-based R&D.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypotheses are tested using data on Spanish firms in the high-tech chemical and pharmaceutical industries through ordinary least squares regression analysis. The sample consists of 112 manufacturing firms included in the Spanish Survey of Business Strategies.
Findings
The results show that absorptive capacity facilitates servitization and that technological collaboration moderates the relationship between absorptive capacity and servitization. The synergies between absorptive capacity and technological collaboration for servitization are recognized from the perspective of open innovation as a way of resolving the trade-off between products and services.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should introduce more sources of collaboration by broadening the value chain perspective. Other approaches to innovation may also be considered, including relationships to process innovation.
Practical implications
The results can provide meaningful guidance for companies to determine the key opportunities of servitization driven by absorptive capacity, and the best ways to leverage open innovation and collaboration strategies to exploit such approaches.
Originality/value
This research enriches theories on servitization, open innovation and innovative behavior. Open innovation strategy should be linked to greater servitization activity and should support an open service strategy. This approach is crucial for building innovation capabilities through technological collaboration.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Grant SERDigital PID2020-117244RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033.
Citation
Sánchez-López, J.-M., Martín-Peña, M.L., Díaz-Garrido, E. and García-Magro, C. (2024), "The moderating role of technological collaboration in the relationship between absorptive capacity and servitization: an open innovation approach in high-tech industries", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 35 No. 2, pp. 314-335. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-07-2023-0291
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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