Imeytyskykyä

Imeytyskykyä, often translated as absorptive capacity, refers to an organization's ability to identify, assimilate, and exploit new external knowledge. It is a dynamic capability that allows firms to adapt to changing environments and innovate. This concept was first introduced by Isaiah Nonaka and Hirotake Takeuchi in their seminal work on organizational knowledge creation.

Absorptive capacity is generally understood to have two main components: the ability to acquire external knowledge and the ability to transform and utilize that knowledge. Acquiring knowledge involves recognizing its value and understanding it. Transforming and utilizing knowledge means that the organization can adapt the new knowledge to its own needs and integrate it into its existing operations and products.

Factors that influence absorptive capacity include the organization's prior knowledge base, its learning routines, its communication networks, and its organizational structure. A strong absorptive capacity enables companies to benefit from external sources of innovation, such as R&D collaborations, technology licensing, and market intelligence. It is crucial for sustained competitive advantage in today's knowledge-intensive economy.

Research on absorptive capacity has explored its impact on various organizational outcomes, including innovation performance, firm growth, and market adaptation. It is a key determinant of how effectively an organization can leverage external opportunities and manage technological change.