Evaluating the Effect of Absorptive Capacity on Strategic Innovation (Case Study: Research Centers of Iran's Oil Industry)

The present research deals with evaluating the effect of absorptive capacity on strategic innovation. Strategic innovation is about changing business models, establishing new markets, and proposing higher values to customers. Absorptive capacity, here, is defined as a process which entails exploration, assimilation, transformation, and exploitation of knowledge. Through evaluating of our hypotheses, we came to the conclusion that absorptive capacity affects strategic innovation. Also, combinative capabilities which include socialization, coordination, and systematization mediate the relationship between Absorptive capacity and strategic innovation. Moreover, proactivity of launch strategy moderates the relationship between learning processes and strategic innovation. Research centers of Iran's oil industry is the case study of this research.