The recent theories of innovation suggest that there is great potential for innovation in the structural holes and weak links of the innovation system. Higher absorptive capacity enables an easier crossing over of structural holes in the innovation system, aided by social capital that is located in the social relationships of actors. However, the level of human and social interaction in regional innovation systems has been largely neglected as a research topic. Empirical research on a sample in the Lahti region in Finland suggested three forms of social capital: organisational bonding social capital, regional bridging social capital and personal creative social capital. Further analysis revealed three groups of actors’ interaction behaviour: Missionaries, House Mice and the Passive Resistance.
Before launching a development project to enhance innovation capability, it is essential to know how innovation capability is comprehended. This paper suggests a procedure to locate the development targets of organizational innovation capability before making decisions on projects. First, from the viewpoint of practice-based innovation, an understanding of the concept of innovation capability is provided. Further, the suggested classification for innovation capability provides a basis for developing the measurement instrument. Finally, to answer the research question of how an innovation intervention should be targeted, this paper uses practical experiences of implementing the procedure in the setting of a single case company.
PurposeThe objective of this paper is to develop practice and theory from Augusto Boal's dialogue technique (Image Theatre) for organisational use. The paper aims to examine how the members in an organisation create dialogue together by using a dramaturgical storytelling framework where the dialogue emerges from storytelling facilitated by symbolic representations of still images.Design/methodology/approachThe study follows the lines of participatory action and art‐based research. The data are collected from 13 dramaturgical work story storytelling sessions in four different organisations. The research design belongs to the tradition of research‐based theatre, which implies artful inquiry, scripting and performance in research.FindingsThe paper presents a model for organisational dialogue. The model illustrates the dramaturgical storytelling of work story which influences problem shifting in a positive way.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are related to the scope of the research. The Scandinavian cultural context facilitates an open, bottom up process. More case studies in different kinds of environments should be conducted. In the future it might be advantageous to conduct more longitudinal studies on how organisations can nurture continuous dialogue.Practical implicationsWork story as a dialogue practice facilitated members from the same occupational groups to share experiences with each other and construct common interests by investigating unstructured and uncertain social situations at work.Originality/valueThe paper combines research fields that explore art‐based initiatives within organisations, workplace learning and innovation research.
All innovative activity involves generation and use of knowledge. Knowledge is therefore often assumed to be the most valuable resource of a firm. Creation of new knowledge is conceptualized as conversion, recombination, and exchange of existing knowledge. The concept of absorptive capacity becomes intriguing here. It was originally defined as an organization's ability to value, assimilate and apply new knowledge. Absorptive capacity requires learning capability and develops problem-solving skills. Two types of absorptive capacity have been identified: (i) potential absorptive capacity is important in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge; and (ii) realized absorptive capacity refers to functions of transformation and exploitation of the knowledge that has been obtained. Absorptive capacity is crucial when pondering questions about futureknowledge adaptation in firms and other organizations; higher absorptive capacity enables easier crossing of structural holes in the innovation system. This study investigates ways in which information quality is related to absorptive capacity when designing service and product innovations. The study includes theoretical considerations and three case analyses based on empirical data collected in Finland. The research responds to arising societal and academic interest by combining several research fields (information quality, absorptive capacity and innovation studies). Designing service and product innovations is a challenging task that requires a good knowledge basis in today's increasingly complex operational environment.
This study examines how a company can generate innovation opportunities by exploring and absorbing customer knowledge. The exploration can be performed via an in-depth or broad search for resources beyond organisational boundaries. Salespeople are an essential channel for an in-depth search in relation to customers, since salespeople possess rich knowledge of the customers. In order to be useful, such knowledge has to be absorbed in the company. Most of the literature on absorptive capacity has focused on R&D, while less focus has been placed on studying the role of individuals in the development of integrative practices. This paper demonstrates how a community of practice can enable organisations to move from potential absorptive capacity to realised absorptive capacity.
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