Measurement of Knowledge Absorptive Capacity: An Estimated Indicator for the Manufacturing and Service Sector in Colombia

Abstract

This article proposes an indicator to measure the level of Knowledge Absorptive Capacity in Colombia based on a theoretical review of the concept and different types of empirically validated measurements. We present a definition of Absorptive Capacity and its dimensions, which is validated using the proposed indicator as a linear combination of these dimensions. The estimates have been conducted using the Innovation and Technological Development Survey (EDIT by its initials in Spanish) data for the manufacturing sector and the EDIT for the service sector in Colombia. We conclude that, in general, both sectors have low levels of Absorptive Capacity, with noteworthy exceptions being the chemical products manufacturing, domestic appliances, higher education and research and development center subsectors.