Title: Innovativeness in Brazilian startups: the effect of the absorptive capacity and environmental dynamism

Authors: Carlos Eduardo Carvalho; Carlos Ricardo Rossetto; Andrezza Aparecida Saraiva Piekas

Addresses: Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina – Unoesc, Av. Nereu Ramos, 3777D – Seminário, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, 89813-000, Brazil ' Universidade do Vale do Itajaí – Univali, Rua João Coan, 400 – Universitarios, Biguaçu – Santa Catarina, 88161-064, Brazil ' Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina – Unoesc, Av. Nereu Ramos, 3777D – Seminário, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, 89813-000, Brazil

Abstract: Considering the importance of the innovativeness for the success of the startups, we examined the relationship between absorptive capacity (ACAP), innovativeness and environmental dynamism, with a sample of 104 Brazilian startups surveyed at incubators. The structural equation modelling found several results. (1) Dynamic external environments positively influence the innovativeness of startups. (2) Dynamic environments influence firms to absorb external knowledge. (3) ACAP influence innovativeness, so greater the ACAP, greater the firm's innovativeness. (4) ACAP mediates the relationship between dynamic environments and innovativeness. The findings contribute to innovation approaches by analysing the impact of environmental dynamics, and especially by demonstrate the mediate role of the ACAP. In addition to theoretical advancement, we offer practical contributions to managers interested in intensifying their innovative practices.

Keywords: absorptive capacity; ACAP; innovativeness; environmental dynamism; innovation practices; startups; incubators; technology incubators; mediation effect; technology-based entrepreneurship; technology-based new firms; Brazil.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2021.111829

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2021 Vol.29 No.1, pp.1 - 17

Received: 09 Aug 2019
Accepted: 03 Oct 2019
Published online: 16 Dec 2020 *

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