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Absorptive Capacity and Its Role for the Company Growth and Competitive Advantage: The Case of Frauenthal Automotive Toruń Company

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  • Andrzej Lis

    (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management)

  • Agata Sudolska

    (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management)

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to study the role of absorptive capacity for the company growth and competitive advantage through open innovations. The case of Frauenthal Automotive Toruń is used to explore how the routines and best practices associated with the firm absorptive capacity contribute to its success. The case study is to validate the thesis that through developing skills to recognize valuable knowledge in the environment, acquire this knowledge, assimilate, transform and develop it companies are able to apply and benefit from open innovations in order to grow and strengthen their competitive advantages. In order to achieve the aim of the paper the following research objectives have been set: (1) to identify the lessons and best practices applied in Frauenthal Automotive Toruń in relation to the company absorptive capacity; (2) to analyze the relationships between the concepts of absorptive capacity and open innovation; (3) to exemplify and discuss the outcomes of the company absorptive capacity in regard to innovations, company growth and competitive advantage.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrzej Lis & Agata Sudolska, 2015. "Absorptive Capacity and Its Role for the Company Growth and Competitive Advantage: The Case of Frauenthal Automotive Toruń Company," Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, Fundacja Upowszechniająca Wiedzę i Naukę "Cognitione", vol. 11(4), pages 63-91.
    • Handle: RePEc:aae:journl:v:11:y:2015:i:4:p:63-91
    DOI: 10.7341/20151143
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ardjouman Diabate & Hagan Sibiri & Linyu Wang & Liying Yu, 2019. "Assessing SMEs’ Sustainable Growth through Entrepreneurs’ Ability and Entrepreneurial Orientation: An Insight into SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-26, December.
    3. Minerva Martínez Ávila, 2022. "Competitive Advantage and Knowledge Absorptive Capacity: the Mediating Role of Innovative Capability," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 13(1), pages 185-210, March.
    4. Niu, Wenju & Shen, Houcai, 2022. "Investment in process innovation in supply chains with knowledge spillovers under innovation uncertainty," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 302(3), pages 1128-1141.
    5. Marta Gancarczyk & Jon Mikel Zabala Iturriagagoitia, 2015. "The Process of the Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)," Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, Fundacja Upowszechniająca Wiedzę i Naukę "Cognitione", vol. 11(4), pages 3-24.
    6. Dessy Isfianadewi & Muhammad Haryo Anindityo, 2022. "The effect of supply chain agility in mediation of absorptive capacity and competitive advantage: A case study of modern cafes and restaurants," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 11(5), pages 545-555, July.

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