Absorptive capacity and technological innovation: ambidexterity and research and development

Purpose This paper investigates the relationships between absorptive capacity, R&D, ambidexterity and technological innovation. The study explores the mediating roles of ambidexterity and R&D in the connection between absorptive capacity and technological innovation. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 139 technology-based businesses. Data analysis is conducted using the partial least squares (PLS) technique, and the SmartPLS3 software is utilized. Findings Our result revealed absorptive capacity had a meaningful influence on technological innovation; also, the effect of ambidexterity on technological innovation is significant. Finally, R&D as a mediator had a negative significant indirect impact on the relationship between absorptive capacity and technological innovation. In addition, the findings show that ambidexterity has a considerable indirect influence on absorptive capacity and technological innovation. Originality/value The findings of this study advance our knowledge of the processes by which technological innovation is influenced by absorptive capacity and the mediating roles that ambidexterity and R&D play in this connection.