The Role of Absorptive Capacity in Driving Innovation in Valencian Fruit and Vegetable Cooperatives

The capacity of the Valencian fruit and vegetable sector (i.e., cooperatives) to absorb knowledge has been analysed, as well as the influence of this capacity on the adoption of technological innovations and production processes. This objective is motivated by the multiple challenges currently facing the agricultural sector. The dominance of large distribution chains and competition from products imported from other countries have increased production costs without a proportional increase in income. The study was conducted with a sample of 14 fruit and vegetable companies and cooperatives. This study explored how these organisations acquire and assimilate knowledge from abroad and the barriers they face in this process. The results reveal that the extent of assimilation is fundamental to transforming potential absorption capacity into reality. Acquiring knowledge is not the problem, given the abundance of information available. The challenge lies in discerning which knowledge is relevant and aligning it with the needs of the organisation and its customers. The importance of generational change and team dynamics in knowledge consolidation is evident. The importance of effectively managing knowledge assimilation for the success of innovation in agri-food cooperatives is highlighted. In addition, common barriers to the implementation of innovation are identified. The lack of gender diversity is evident in the leadership profiles of cooperatives, highlighting the need for future research addressing absorptive capacity from a gender perspective.