International collaboration and knowledge creation: the moderating role of absorptive capacity

Abstract

The study extends previous research on the knowledge creation literature. It discusses the impact of international collaborative partnerships portfolio (ICPP) on knowledge creation at the division (group) level. I propose a contingency perspective by considering the moderating role of absorptive capacity. Using a sample from the academic industry (i.e., colleges), I find that for colleges from developing countries, collaborating with international partners is positively related to knowledge creation. Additionally, when collaborating with international partners, colleges from developing countries with higher absorptive capacity are more likely to create new knowledge than those with lower levels. The paper concludes with managerial implications and directions for future research.