vastuvõtmisvõime

Vastuvõtmisvõime, meaning "receptivity" or "absorptive capacity" in English, refers to an individual's or organization's ability to recognize the value of new external information, assimilate it, and apply it to commercial ends. This concept, particularly prominent in the field of innovation and organizational learning, emphasizes that innovation is not solely about invention but also about the effective integration of existing knowledge and ideas from the environment.

The concept was first introduced by research scholars writing in the early 1990s. They posited that a firm's absorptive capacity is a dynamic capability, meaning it can be developed and improved over time. It is built upon the ability to scout for relevant external knowledge, understand it, and then transform it into internal capabilities that can lead to new products, processes, or services. This process involves both individual learning within the organization and the collective learning of the firm as a whole.

Key components of absorptive capacity often include prior knowledge, the ability to learn, the value of the new knowledge, and the efficiency of knowledge transfer. Organizations with high absorptive capacity are generally more innovative and better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions. Conversely, low absorptive capacity can hinder a firm's ability to benefit from external research and development, collaborations, and market intelligence, potentially leading to a competitive disadvantage. The concept has implications for various fields, including strategic management, economics, and knowledge management.