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Search Patterns and Absorptive Capacity: A Comparison of Low- and High-Technology Firms from Thirteen European Countries

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  • Grimpe, Christoph
  • Sofka, Wolfgang

Abstract

Searching for externally available knowledge has been characterised as a vital part of the innovation process. Previous research has, however, almost exclusively focused on hightechnology environments, largely ignoring the substantial low- and medium-technology sectors of modern economies. We argue that low- and high-technology firms differ in their search patterns and that these moderate the relationship between innovation inputs and outputs. Based on a sample of 4,500 firms from 13 European countries we find that search patterns in low-technology industries focus on market knowledge while they are built around differences in technology sourcing activities for high-technology industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Grimpe, Christoph & Sofka, Wolfgang, 2007. "Search Patterns and Absorptive Capacity: A Comparison of Low- and High-Technology Firms from Thirteen European Countries," ZEW Discussion Papers 07-062, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:6800
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. van Uden, A. & Knoben, J. & Vermeulen, P.A.M., 2014. "Human Capital and Innovation in Developing Countries : A Firm Level Study," Other publications TiSEM be3956d2-96d6-4cda-bf28-d, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Absorptive capacity; search strategies; low-; medium- and high-technology sectors; open innovation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General

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