Measuring absorptive capacity in technology transfer (TT) projects

Abstract

The conceptualisation of absorptive capacity in technology transfer (TT) in construction organisations could occur simultaneously, involving the flow of imported technology (i.e., knowledge, skills and tools) via construction projects. The absorptive capacity is the ability of the firm to assimilate imported technology, depending on their organisational technological capabilities. There are numerous studies concerning absorptive capacity, but little empirical research has been conducted on how to measure the absorptive capacity of TT via construction projects into organisations. This paper aims to investigate and review different models of measuring absorptive capacity of TT projects from several industries (i.e., manufacturing, construction and finance) to capture the critical variables for a successful transaction of absorptive capacity within organisations. Based on the consideration of these models, the paper proposes a conceptual framework for measuring absorptive capacity in TT projects. The framework emphasises the two-key components: employees' ability and motivation which are measured through performance appraisal, employees' training, performance-based compensation, and merit based promotion. The goal of TT is to measure the level of absorptive capacity in the form of knowledge, skills and tools via construction projects to improve local technological capabilities for construction organisations. © 2011 IEEE.