Title: Science intelligence capability and innovation performance: an absorptive capacity perspective

Authors: Peter J. Lane, Richard Klavans

Addresses: University of New Hampshire, Whittemore School of Business and Economics, 15 College Road, Durham, NH 03824, USA. ' SciTech Strategies, Inc 2405 White Horse Rd, Berwyn, PA 19312, USA

Abstract: This study examines the link between a firm|s science intelligence capability, and the quantity and value of the patents that it produces. Modelling absorptive capacity as an innovation knowledge funnel, we propose that a firm|s science intelligence capability rests on two sets of processes: managing its potential absorptive capacity (PACAP) and managing its realised absorptive capacity (RACAP). Measuring PACAP as the breadth of a firm|s scientific activities and RACAP as its ability to identify and abandon poor performing areas of science, we test our theory using a sample of US and non-US firms in the chemical, electronics, and pharmaceutical industries. Moderate to strong support is found for our hypotheses.

Keywords: science; technology; patents; absorptive capacity; intelligence capability; innovation performance; intellectual property; chemical industry; electronics industry; pharmaceutical industry; scientific knowledge; technological innovation; organisational performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2005.006514

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2005 Vol.1 No.2, pp.185 - 204

Published online: 18 Mar 2005 *

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