Title: The role of absorptive capacity and NIH syndrome in external knowledge sourcing and innovative performance: an empirical pilot study on open innovation practices of Morrocan industrial SME

Authors: Asiya Galiulina; Samira Touate

Addresses: Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fès, Morocco ' Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fès, Morocco

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate in a Moroccan context the impact of firms' openness in terms of external knowledge search strategies on their innovation performance, and with the relationship being mediated by absorptive capacity. In addition, the moderating effect of negative attitudes towards external knowledge (not invented here syndrome) has been tested. To do so, we have used the quantitative analysis method, mobilising a hypothetical-deductive approach. The empirical verification of hypotheses was led via the SMART PLS software. The findings of our research support two hypotheses, meaning that openness in terms of external knowledge search strategies increases absorptive capacity and promotes the innovative performance of firms. However, two other hypotheses were rejected, so that negative attitudes towards external knowledge (NIH syndrome) do not moderate the relationship between openness in terms of external knowledge search strategies and absorptive capacity; as well as absorptive capacity does not lead to innovative performance directly.

Keywords: open innovation; inbound open innovation; NIH syndrome; external knowledge sourcing; absorptive capacity; innovative performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2023.130032

International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, 2023 Vol.14 No.2, pp.159 - 181

Received: 01 Dec 2021
Accepted: 19 Aug 2022
Published online: 04 Apr 2023 *

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