Parikalpana KIIT Journal of Management
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 21
  • Issue: 1

The relationship between absorptive capacity and knowledge sharing and transfer in the context of research and development: A systematic review

1Officer-in-Charge, Technology Management Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, DRDO, (Orcid.: 0000-0002-2253-1000)

2(Director - International Affairs), (Orcid.: 0000-0002-4119-0651)

Online published on 18 September, 2025.

Abstract

Absorptive capacity (AC) and knowledge sharing and transfer (KS) are two key concepts for research and development (R&D) driven innovation. This systematic review of 33 articles published from 2010 to 2023, using the Web of Science, explores their interconnection. The review identifies three main themes: AC and innovation performance, knowledge transfer and R&D alliances, and knowledge spillovers and external sources of innovation. The findings suggest that AC and KS in R&D, mutually strengthen innovation, but also highlight challenges like knowledge leakage. The review calls for more empirical studies and context-specific strategies for optimizing KS and AC in R&D environments.