SMEs´ absorptive capacities and large firms´ knowledge spillovers: Micro evidence from Mexico

Claudia De Fuentes () and Gabriela Dutrénit

No 2011/1, Papers in Innovation Studies from Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between large firms´ knowledge spillovers and small and medium enterprises absorptive capacities. We build ad-hoc indicators for these two concepts following a factor analysis methodology, and we carry out a structural equations analysis to determine the relationship between them. Based on firm level original data from a survey that focuses on SMEs in a Mexican locality, this paper argues that in a low-tech and mature sector, such as the machine shop sector, that operates in a loosely articulated local system, two knowledge spillover mechanisms are relevant: the backward linkages and the employees´ mobility. Regarding SMEs’ absorptive capacities they are strongly influenced by organizational capabilities and innovation and learning activities. We also argue that large firms’ knowledge spillovers are strongly correlated to SMEs absorptive capacities within the sector and locality analyzed.

Keywords: Absorptive capacities; Knowledge spillovers; SME-large firms interaction; Mexico (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O30 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 28 pages
Date: 2011-01-20
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse, nep-ent, nep-ino, nep-knm, nep-sbm and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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