Investigating the relationship between absorptive capacity, open innovation activities and company performance with the mediating role of innovation strategy

Abstract

Open innovation has an important impact on innovative activities and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, the subject of discussion is the challenge of many companies to remain in a risky business environment. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between absorptive capacity, open innovation activities and company performance with the mediating role of innovation strategy among managers and employees of small and medium-sized enterprises in Mashhad. The method used in this study is descriptive and survey-type. In order to collect mixed information, library and field research methods were used. Also, in terms of the application of the research results, this study is classified as applied research. The present statistical population is managers and employees of small and medium-sized enterprises in Mashhad. Considering the available sampling, the sample size after returning the questionnaire was 195 final questionnaires. The data were analyzed by structural equations and with the help of SmartPLS software. The results confirm all hypotheses and there is a significant relationship between absorptive capacity, open innovation activities and company performance with the mediating role of innovation strategy among managers and employees of small and medium-sized companies in Mashhad. According to the research findings, it can be stated that the results of this study can be useful for new businesses in creating innovation and paying attention to entrepreneurial-oriented behavior to improve the absorptive capacity and performance of this company. These findings emphasize that improving absorptive capacity and designing effective innovation strategies can help improve the performance of small and medium-sized companies.