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External search for specialized knowledge and green new product development speed: A dual mediation mechanism and moderating role of absorptive capacity

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  • Thảo, Hoàng Thu
  • Vo-Thai, Huy-Cuong
  • Luu, Trong Tuan

Abstract

Considering that an open innovation approach is crucial for green innovation, this study aims to explore the different roles of external search for specialized knowledge sources, specifically market sources and institutional sources, in fostering green new product development (NPD) speed through the dual mediation mechanism and moderating role of absorptive capacity. The data set for testing the relationships among these variables was garnered from 505 managers who worked in Vietnamese manufacturing firms. The results revealed that external search from the two sources of knowledge, namely market sources and institutional sources, exhibits a significant positive association with green NPD speed. Further, the two mediators, including green process innovation and green product innovation, mediate the positive relationship between external search and green NPD speed. The findings also proved the effects of external search from market sources on green process innovation and green product innovation are positively moderated by absorptive capacity (AC). However, AC does not demonstrate a moderating effect when it comes to knowledge obtained from institutional sources in relation to green process innovation and green product innovation. The study contributes to the existing literature on open innovation, green innovation, AC and suggests ideas for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Thảo, Hoàng Thu & Vo-Thai, Huy-Cuong & Luu, Trong Tuan, 2026. "External search for specialized knowledge and green new product development speed: A dual mediation mechanism and moderating role of absorptive capacity," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:55:y:2026:i:2:s0048733325002276
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2025.105398
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