Study goals
To investigate how absorptive capacity, influenced by organizational attention, affects innovation processes in distinct contexts, analyzing the cases of Vista Alegre and Biocant Park during an international module in Portugal.
Relevance / originality
The study connects classical and contemporary theories to compare manifestations of absorptive capacity in different sectors, offering an original perspective on incremental and radical innovation, based on empirical observations and international academic experiences.
Methodology / approach
A qualitative exploratory approach was used, with thematic content analysis based on the four dimensions of absorptive capacity. Data were collected through lectures and technical visits during the international module in Portugal, including direct observations and institutional materials.
Main results
Absorptive capacity manifests differently across contexts: incrementally and culturally at Vista Alegre; radically and scientifically at Biocant Park. Organizational attention proved essential to transforming external knowledge into strategic innovation.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
The study proposes a comparative model that integrates organizational attention into absorptive capacity, empirically validated, offering a useful lens for future analyses across sectors and highlighting the importance of intentional knowledge management.
Social / management contributions
It shows how absorptive capacity can preserve culture and address social challenges through science, guiding managers on how to adapt innovation strategies based on collaborative networks or traditional knowledge.