Exploring Innovation Capabilities in Organizations through a Scientometric Approach in the Context of Manufacturing Industry

Over the last four decades, innovation capability has been studied to examine the innovation phenomenon based on the specific characteristics of organizations and systems under the theory of resources and capabilities. However, "capability" has diverse applications, and its correlation with innovation remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the definition of "innovation capability" in the context of the manufacturing industry and to comprehend how researchers presently investigate this concept. In order to meet this, an exhaustive search was conducted in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, covering the period from 2018 to 2023. The selection of documents for analysis was determined by applying the scientometric method. The authors of this research identified 462 documents, and the bibliometric analysis, conducted using VOS viewer and Bibliometrix tools, revealed four main thematic areas within the research domain: sustainability, business performance, technology transfer, and knowledge management. As a result, this study identified the seminal authors of the concept. It provided a precise definition of "innovation capability", highlighting the significant interest that this research topic arouses in current academic literature.