Co-Evolution between Open Innovation and Absorptive Capacity in Korean SMEs

This study examines the co-evolutionary process between open innovation and firms' absorptive capacity. The effects of open innovation can be maximized through the capacity to absorb the knowledge from the external sources such as universities, government-support research institute, and private R&D centers. This study used data of STEPI technology innovation survey conducted at 2002, 2005, and 2008 (3 points measures). The data were analyzed through a structural equation model. Results suggest that open innovation at t0 point influences positively the absorptive capacity at t1 point, which subsequently enhances the intention of open innovation at t2 point. This result suggests the existence of co-evolutionary process between open innovation and firms' absorptive capacity. When knowledge comes from universities, the co-evolution has sustained; whereas when knowledge comes from private firms' R&D centers, the co-evolution has not effected. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.