In today’s fast-changing business climate, the priority on digital transformation demands organizations to develop innovation competencies to survive (Nambisan et al., 2017). To gain knowledge and know-how and stay innovative, organizations could work together with an Innovation Lab (IL) to remain competitive. To reach the best outcome from an IL, the dynamic between lab environment, resources, participants, and facilitation must be considered. Since SMEs typically have fewer resources, having an in-house IL is impossible. In addition, they require the guidance of experts to cope with the challenges of the digital era, to uncover solutions and continuous advancements, as innovation is critical for established companies to stay relevant in the phase of disruption and change (Berglund, 2007). This study aims to deepen the understanding of the phenomenon of ILs in the context of SMEs. More precisely, we are scrutinizing the integration of acquired knowledge, inventions, competencies, and innovations to see what both ILs and SMEs could do to achieve a better outcome. This study aims to originate valuable insights on integration patterns and key issues SMEs face during the IL, to fill literature gaps and build on existing theories of ILs (Fecher et al., 2020) and absorptive capacity (Zahra & George, 2002). Our goal is to contribute with managerial implications for SMEs who wish to participate in ILs and achieve a favorable outcome. Additionally, to give IL facilitators suggestions on making the process more suitable for SMEs. Our research aimed to answer the question of how SMEs integrate competencies and inventions developed during their IL participation in ILs. We established a multiple case study (Eisenhardt, 1989) to investigate the phenomenon. Together with existing literature and qualitative data, we set a model on: ‘SMEs’ Absorptive Capacity in the Context of Innovation Labs’. Our model describes how ACAP is present in the three lab phases and its effect on integrating competencies and inventions. First, our results show the relevance of preparation and participants in the pre- lab phase. Second, PACAP, including acquisition and assimilation, correlated with resources and the IL process in the lab phase. Third, in the post-lab phase or integration phase, RACAP with the capabilities of transformation and exploitation were significant for the business practice, IL process, IC, and resources. Concluding, each of the phases and SMEs’ capabilities during the IL process affects the integration and commercialization of the outcome.

This dissertation examines the free-rider problem of entry deterrence, the profitability of a horizontal merger, and the effects of a horizontal merger on the outsiders’ profits and industry prices, in the markets where firms' capacity costs are sunk. We investigate the free-rider problem of entry deterrence in the subgame perfect Nash equilibria of a three-stage game in which in the first stage multiple incumbent firms choose their capacities simultaneously and independently, in the second stage a potential entrant, after observing the incumbent firms’ capacity vector, chooses its capacity, and in the third stage the firms engage in capacity-constrained Cournot competition. We show that the free-rider problem may occur: there are situations where both entry prevention and allowing entry are equilibria but entry prevention is Pareto superior for the incumbent firms. We also show that increasing the number of incumbent firms may cause the equilibrium price to increase and thus consumer welfare to decrease. The free-rider problem is still manifested in a modified model in which multiple potential entrants choose their capacities sequentially after the first stage incumbents’ capacity decisions. Several recent papers which theoretically analyze the profitability of a horizontal merger and its effects on the outsiders’ profits and industry prices, all observe that a merger never decreases industry prices, a merger to a monopoly is always profitable, and a merger never hurts the outsiders. However, we demonstrate, in a market for a homogeneous product where firms with sunk capacities compete in quantities and there are potential entrants, that a merger can decrease industry price and a merger of incumbent firms to a monopoly may not be profitable. We also show, in a market for a homogeneous product where firms with sunk capacities engage in capacity-constrained price competition, that a merger can hurt the outsiders. / Ph. D.

An aging population is becoming an increasingly growing global phenomenon, and 2050 is said to be a historical breaking point where 65+ will outnumber those between 0-5 years old. However, previous research has failed to provide sufficient explanations for consumer behavior for this particular segment, and a large incidence have been found to share the belief that technology fails to be adapted to meet their needs properly. An overlooked aspect of knowledge management was found and a research gap was thus identified addressing the role of cognition when assessing and interpreting customer needs. The purpose has been to develop a deeper understanding of certain aspects of how companies within this industry acquire and assimilate knowledge, and how product developers perceive the role of cognition in these processes. In order to shed light on these dimensions of knowledge management, a research question has been formulated as follows: "How does psychological distance affect knowledge acquisition, absorptive capacity and relationship quality?" A quantitative study was carried out involving 45 companies operating in a variety of industries ranging from robotics, hygiene and special nutrition, to eldercare and mobility products. Altogether, 51 responses were collected and analyzed using simple- and multiple regression, and were subsequently discussed based on a developed theoretical framework. The results found in this study have been used to identify combinations of cognitive dimensions and relationship quality for the purpose of developing a better understanding of its respective impact on knowledge acquisition and absorptive capacity. The findings culminated in a model through which to explain for these combinations of psychological distance, level of construal and relationship quality and their effect on the ability to acquire and disseminate new knowledge from elderly.High-level information was found easier to acquire among the respondent companies, and low-level contrarily easier to absorb. Greater psychological distance in combination with low relationship quality had a positive impact of high-level construal individuals to acquire knowledge from external sources. In contrast to these findings, perceived proximity in the psychological distances and high relationship quality were jointly found to assist in knowledge dissemination processes for low-level construal individuals.

This study uses the concept of absorptive capacity to provide a framework for exploring benefit realization in the post-implementation phase of ERP systems. Success factors of ERP adoption such as: training, communication, process change, and integration extension are organized into two types of knowledge absorptive capacity: potential capacity and realization capacity. This study proposes that absorptive capacity is one of the key determinants of benefits realization from ERP implementation. Although the frequently mentioned factors training and communication are important activities for organizations to assimilate the knowledge of the system processes, these represent potential capacity that requires realization through refinement and execution of what has been absorbed. ERP adopting organizations wishing to continuously generate benefits need to both build potential absorptive capacity by investing in training and education and leverage realized capacity through extension of integration of the system processes. Through in-depth case study of four firms in Taiwan, this study verified the propositions about absorptive capacity in post- implementation of ERP systems. The results further revealed some findings： 1) More iterations of the cycle of absorptive capacity leads to greater benefits of ERP systems. 2) Knowledge retention is important for accumulating potential resources. 3) Provide some guidance of educational program planning. 4) Environment provided by companies can encourage assimilation of knowledge and full use of the ERP system. 5) Business training is necessary for IT professionals. These findings are helpful for managers to well assimilate and exploit knowledge. And furthermore, this study suggests that companies need to acquire, assimilate, transform and exploit knowledge in a dynamic cyclical path to adapt to the changing business environment and sustain competitive advantage over the long term.

This study investigates the heterogeneity of European NUTS-2 regions with regard to their ability to take advantage of European Union (EU) structural funds aimed at convergence. It considers a concept of absorptive capacity based on regional policy design, and additionally accounts for the programming period 2007-2013 in the empirical analysis. A fuzzy regression discontinuity design allowing for heterogeneous treatment effects is applied to evaluate convergence funds in 250 NUTS-2 regions from 2000 (and 1989) to 2013. The main results suggest a positive conditional impact of funds payments on regional GDP per capita growth. However, based on a time-varying treatment effects model, we are able to identify a deterioration in the effectiveness of convergence funds during the programming period 2007-2013. Furthermore, the analysis reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between the share of committed funds paid out and GDP per capita growth. The latter finding indicates that the marginal benefits from EU convergence funds might be decreasing. (author's abstract) / Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Series

Submitted by JOSIANE SANTOS DE OLIVEIRA (josianeso) on 2017-10-04T14:28:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Adelice Minetto Sznitowski_.pdf: 1981660 bytes, checksum: fa747ce2916de05cdf8b1d6687cb9a87 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-04T14:28:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Adelice Minetto Sznitowski_.pdf: 1981660 bytes, checksum: fa747ce2916de05cdf8b1d6687cb9a87 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-06-12 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O agronegócio no Brasil é um setor representativo e seu destaque deriva das inovações que são geradas ao longo de toda a sua cadeia produtiva e da capacidade dos produtores rurais incorporarem o conhecimento externo. Assim, esse estudo indagou se o construto de Capacidade Absortiva (CA) explica a dinâmica dos processos de inovação na produção de soja no Brasil. A lente teórica utilizada à compreensão desse contexto veio do construto de CA e diz respeito à identificação, assimilação e exploração do conhecimento presente no ambiente externo porque, como tal, interfere de forma direta na competência de uma organização no que tange à geração de valor, uma vez que recombina recursos a fim de incorporar os conhecimentos necessários. A CA contribui para o desempenho organizacional e à sua capacidade de inovação, a qual foi determinante no contexto agrícola para aumentar a sua eficiência e colocar o Brasil em uma posição de destaque, em termos de produtividade, principalmente na produção de soja. Como os processos de inovação não acontecem de forma isolada, os objetivos aqui propostos tiveram a função de contribuir na caracterização do ambiente relacional dos sojicultores a partir do desenho da referida cadeia produtiva e, nela, a identificação dos agentes considerados fontes de conhecimentos/tecnologias necessários ao processo produtivo do grão. A produção de soja requer o uso de modernas tecnologias, o que implica constante atualização por parte dos produtores, daí a importância de examinar a dinâmica que envolve a CA nesses locais. Ainda foram acompanhados eventos como palestras e dias de trabalho em campo, realizados no período que corresponde ao plantio a colheita da soja para complementar o entendimento sobre as fontes de conhecimentos/tecnologias e sua a difusão nesse ambiente. Posteriormente, foi realizado estudo multi casos junto a três unidades produtoras de soja no Estado de Mato Grosso que praticam diferentes sistemas de cultivos, sendo entrevistados seus proprietários via roteiro semiestruturado para a coleta de dados qualitativos sobre o processo da CA. Nesse sentido, as evidências sugerem que as Unidades de Produção desenvolvem a CA, possibilitando se manterem na atividade há longa data, bem como introduzirem inovações baseadas em modernas tecnologias (unidade de produção A) e adoção de sistemas de produção mais complexos que permitiram maior produtividade e lucratividade (unidades de produção B e C). / In Brazil, the agribusiness is a major industry, and such position results from the innovations generated throughout its productive chain and from the capacity of the rural producers to in-corporate external knowledge. Thus, this study asks if the construct of Absorptive Capacity (AC) explains the dynamics behind the innovation process for the production of soy in Brazil. The theoretical point of view used for the understanding of this context came from the con-struct of AC and has to do with the identification, assimilation and exploitation of the knowledge present in the external environment because, as such, it interferes directly in the competence of an organization in terms of generation of value, once it recombines resources to incorporate the necessary knowledge. The AC contributes for the organizational performance and to the capacity of innovation, which was crucial in the agricultural context for the increase of its efficiency and to place Brazil in a highlighted position in terms of productivity, mainly in the soy production context. Since innovation processes do not happen isolatedly, the objec-tives suggested here aimed to contribute to the characterization of the relational environment of soybean farmers based on the design of the referred productive chain and, in it the identifi-cation of the agents considered sources of knowledge/technologies necessary to the produc-tive process of the grain. Modern technologies are needed for the production of soybean, which demands a constant update from the producers. That is why it is important to examine the dynamics involved in AC in these places. Events such as lectures and field work during soybean planting and harvesting were also attended to complement the understanding of the sources of knowledge/technologies and their dissemination in this environment. Later, a mul-tiple case study was made in the three soybean production units in Mato Grosso state. These units have different cultivation systems. Their owners were interviewed with a semi-structured script for the collection of qualitative data about the AC process. In this way, evi-dences suggest that the Production Units develop the AC, enabling them to keep working since long ago, and also to introduce innovation based on modern technologies (production unit A) and the adoption of more elaborated production systems which would allow greater productivity and profitability (production units B and C).

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2015-07-06T13:02:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 José Jerônimo de Menezes Lima.pdf: 1888440 bytes, checksum: aa54ca9f171e17e14a874a7eabfe31b7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-06T13:02:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 José Jerônimo de Menezes Lima.pdf: 1888440 bytes, checksum: aa54ca9f171e17e14a874a7eabfe31b7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-07-22 / Nenhuma / O objeto de estudo desta tese é a análise dos efeitos de Comunidades de Prática (CoPs) na Capacidade Absortiva (CA) em Empresas Intensivas em Conhecimento (EICs). Esta pesquisa se situa no campo de estudos de comportamento organizacional e trata dos temas da Gestão do Conhecimento (GC) e Aprendizagem Organizacional (AO). Nessa direção, a principal contribuição desta tese é de natureza teórica e visa analisar os fatores de funcionamento dos processos de CoPs que podem contribuir para a CA em EICs avaliando a real contribuição desses fatores, visando orientar a criação e operacionalização de CoPs eficazes nessas empresas. A tese tem por pressuposto que EICs têm processos essencialmente baseados na GC; AO é fundamental para a eficácia da GC em EICs, uma vez que viabiliza o compartilhamento e a assimilação do conhecimento para a inovação e a solução de problemas; CoPs, no contexto de EICs, ao agregarem conhecimentos, pessoas, processos e tecnologias, facilitam a AO; e, ao facilitar a AO, CoPs contribuem para a CA em EICs. A partir dessas premissas, esta tese responder à seguinte questão de pesquisa: Quais são os efeitos de comunidades de prática na capacidade absortiva em empresas intensivas em conhecimento? Nessa direção, foram estabelecidas as seguintes hipóteses: CoPs são mecanismos que facilitam a dimensão Aquisição do processo da Capacidade Absortiva Potencial (CAp) em EICs (H1), CoPs são mecanismos que facilitam a dimensão Assimilação do processo da CAp em EICs (H2); CoPs são mecanismos que facilitam a dimensão Transformação do processo de Capacidade Absortiva Realizada (CAr) em EICs (H3), CoPs são mecanismos que facilitam a dimensão Aplicação do processo de CAr em EICs (H4) e CoPs são mecanismos que facilitam a CAr por decorrência da CAp em EICs (H5). Este estudo utilizou métodos de pesquisa online e partiu de uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória baseada em netnografia, em seguida realizou pesquisa quantitativa baseada em survey e, finalmente, foi realizada pesquisa qualitativa confirmatória com gestores de CoPs e de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (P&D) das EICs estudadas. Foram pesquisadas 10 EICs, abrangendo 90 CoPs e 9.998 participantes. A pesquisa coletou 1.104 respostas. Um modelo teórico foi desenvolvido e testado por Modelagem de Equações Estruturais (MEE) para validar as hipóteses formuladas. Especificamente analisando os efeitos de CoPs na CA em EICs, a pesquisa confirma que CoPs são mecanismos eficazes de CAp, maximizando as atividades de aquisição e assimilação de conhecimentos externos e assim contribuindo diretamente para a CAp (H1 e H2). Por outro lado, não confirma que CoPs são mecanismos eficazes de CAr, e que as atividades de transformação e aplicação de conhecimentos externos pouco ou nem sempre contribuem diretamente para a inovação (H3 e H4). Ainda, a pesquisa confirma a ideia de que CoPs são mecanismos que, ao contribuírem de modo eficaz diretamente para a CAp, colaboram indiretamente para a eficácia da CAr (H5). Espera-se que esta tese tenha trazido mais luz à discussão sobre a possibilidade de que CoPs sejam considerados espaços privilegiados de aprendizagem organizacional e de articulação de saberes para melhorar CA e gerar inovação em EICs. / The object of study of this dissertation is the analysis of the effects of Communities of Practice (CoPs) on the Absorptive Capacity (AC) in Intensive Knowledge Companies (IKCs). This research lies within the field of organizational behavior studies related to Knowledge Management (KM) and Organizational Learning (OL). In this direction, the main contribution of this thesis is theoretical in nature and aims at analyzing the dynamic factors of CoPs processes that can be contributory to AC in IKCs evaluating the real contribution of these factors aiming at guiding creation and implementation of more effective CoPs in this type of company. This thesis, on principle, begins according to the following assumptions: that IKCs have essentially processes based on KM; OL is key to the effectiveness of KM in IKCs, as it enables the sharing and assimilation of knowledge for innovation and problem solving in groups; as CoPs, in the context of IKCs, aggregate knowledge, people, processes and technologies, they provide grounds to OL; and as doing so, they contribute to AC in IKCs. From these premises, this thesis searched to answer the following research question: what are the effects of CoPs in the AC in IKCs? In this direction, the following hypotheses were established: CoPs are mechanisms that facilitate the acquisition process of Potential Absorptive Capacity Process (PAC) in IKCs (H1); CoPs are mechanisms that enable the assimilation process of the PAC in IKCs (H2); CoPs are mechanisms that facilitate the transformation process of Accomplished Absorptive Capacity (AAC) in IKCs (H3); CoPs are mechanisms that facilitate the application process of the AAC in IKCs (H4); and CoPs are mechanisms that pave the way to the AAC by a result of PAC in IKCs (H5). This study used methods of online survey and came from an exploratory qualitative research based on netnography, then it conducted a quantitative survey-based research, and finally a qualitative research to confirm or disprove it with moderators and administrators of CoPs and managers of R&D of the IKCs. Ten IKCs were surveyed, covering 90 CoPs, 9,998 participants. The survey had an amount of 1,104 responses. A theoretical model was developed and tested by structural equation modeling to validate the hypotheses formulated research. Analyzing specifically the effects of CoPs in AC on IKCs, it can point out that the research confirms the idea that CoPs are effective mechanisms for PAC, maximizing the acquisition and assimilation activities of external knowledge and thus contributing directly to PAC (H1 and H2). On the other hand, this research does not confirm the idea that CoPs are effective mechanisms of AAC, and that the transformation and application activities of external knowledge little or hardly ever directly contribute to innovation (H3 and H4). Still, research confirms the idea that CoPs are mechanisms which, at the same time, contribute effectively straightforward to PAC, and collaborate indirectly to the effectiveness of the AAC (H5).

As empresas podem responder por mudanças significativas em prol da sustentabilidade por meio de inovações, através do desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias, serviços ou produtos que se destinam a reduzir os problemas ambientais e climáticos - nomeadamente inovações verdes. Estas são conduzidas por recursos internos, bem como forças institucionais e algumas capacidades organizacionais, tais como a capacidade de absorção, podem ser relevantes em melhorar o desempenho em inovações verdes. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar empiricamente a relação entre as forças institucionais e capacidades internas na condução de inovações verdes no setor de energia elétrica brasileiro. A técnica de equações estruturais (PLS) foi aplicada aos dados coletados por meio de uma survey realizada entre dezembro de 2015 e maio de 2016. A validade do modelo estrutural foi assegurada através de vários testes e os resultados permitiram concluir que os condutores internos são positivamente relacionados com as forças institucionais e a capacidade de absorção. Ainda, estes mediam a relação entre estes construtos. Além disso, os condutores internos estão positivamente relacionados com o desempenho da inovação verde em produtos e processos. Portanto, o estudo tem várias implicações teóricas para área de gestão, especialmente em capacidades dinâmicas, VBR e teoria da inovação verde. Além disso, as implicações políticas do estudo estão relacionadas com a composição de políticas de um país, a fim de desenvolver regulamentações ambientais que favoreçam a inovação. / Green innovations can be an answer that companies develop as ways to mitigate climate change. These are driven by internal resources as well as institutional forces, and some organizational capabilities such as absorptive capacity can be relevant in spurring green innovations performance. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing empirically the relationship among institutional forces and internal capabilities in driving green innovations in the Brazilian electricity power sector. Partial Least Square Structural Modelling Equation was applied to the data collected through the survey conducted between December 2015 and May 2016. The structural model validity was validated through several tests and the results have indicated that Internal Drivers are positively related to the Institutional Forces and Absorptive Capacity, and mediate the relationship among those constructs. Also, the Internal Drivers are positively related with Green Innovation Performance in products and processes. Therefore, the study has several theoretical implications for management area, especially on dynamic capabilities, RBV and green innovation theory. Also, policy implications of the study are related to the composition of a country\'s policy mix in order to develop environmental regulations which favour innovation.

Diversos estudos exploram temas relacionados ao monitoramento do ambiente com o intuito de auxiliar empresas a se protegerem contra ameaças e a aproveitarem oportunidades provenientes do ambiente externo. Outros pesquisadores se dedicaram aos tópicos relacionados à gestão do conhecimento, colocando o conhecimento como elemento central para o desenvolvimento e o sucesso empresarial. Contudo, identificaram-se poucos estudos que explorem as temáticas de monitoramento do ambiente e gestão do conhecimento em conjunto. Com o propósito de contribuir para o preenchimento desta lacuna, o presente estudo investiga o desenvolvimento da capacidade absortiva em processos de exploração de sinais fracos, sob a perspectiva da criação do conhecimento organizacional. Para tal investigação se utilizou método qualitativo e exploratório; tendo como técnicas de coleta de dados entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise de conteúdo para exploração dos mesmos. Constatou-se que o desempenho do processo de Inteligência pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da capacidade absortiva, além de propiciar a criação, expansão e renovação de conhecimentos individuais e organizacionais. Observou-se, também, que a realização das atividades de Inteligência incentiva a ação e influencia na tomada de decisão de colaboradores e gestores. Os profissionais ao se sentirem melhor informados sobre oportunidades e ameaças provenientes do ambiente externo à organização passam a refletir e se responsabilizar mais por ações e decisões. / Many studies explore topics related to the environmental scanning process in order to assist companies with protecting themselves against threats and seizing opportunities that arise from external environments. Furthermore, a number of researchers have focused broadly and deeply on topics related to knowledge management, placing knowledge as a central resource to a business’s development and success. Nevertheless, there are few studies that combine the themes of environmental scanning and knowledge management. Aiming contribute to fill this gap, this study investigates the absorptive capacity developing in weak signals’ exploration process through the organization knowledge creation’ perspectives. The employed method to this qualitative and explorative research will be interviews by means of techniques for collecting data; and a content analysis for an exploitation of these data. It was found that the Intelligence process performance contributes to the development of absorptive capacity. Futhermore, the practice of Intelligence process facilitates the creation, expansion and renewal of individual and organizational knowledge. It was also observed that the realization of intelligence activities encourages action and influence in employees and managers decision making. Professionals who feel better informed about opportunities and threats from the external environment in regards to the organization start to further reflect and be more accountable for actions and decisions.

Submitted by Maicon Juliano Schmidt (maicons) on 2015-05-05T18:20:49Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Andréia Cunha da Rosa.pdf: 9303233 bytes, checksum: 2bfd02a2657b04794c759e9692f60724 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-05T18:20:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Andréia Cunha da Rosa.pdf: 9303233 bytes, checksum: 2bfd02a2657b04794c759e9692f60724 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-07-30 / UNISINOS - Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos / A literatura acadêmica tem destacado importantes contribuições da interação universidade-empresa para o desempenho inovativo das firmas, regiões e países. Entretanto, a literatura aponta, também, alguns determinantes para que essa relação aconteça. Dentre estes determinantes, é apontada a capacidade absortiva das empresas, o que as possibilita adquirir, assimilar, transformar e comercializar os novos conhecimentos adquiridos a partir da relação com as universidades. Tendo em vista a necessidade de uma maior assimilação, distribuição e utilização dos conhecimentos externos relevantes para as empresas, o presente estudo procurou analisar quais são as características da capacidade absortiva das empresas que possuem interação com Universidades. Neste sentido, tal estudo buscou verificar as características e intensidade da capacidade absortiva de empresas que possuem interação com as áreas de Engenharia Mecânica e, de Engenharia de Materiais e Metalúrgica das Universidades gaúchas. Para atingir esse objetivo, foi desenvolvido uma estrutura com indicadores de mensuração da capacidade absortiva. Essa estrutura foi incluída no questionário aplicado em uma survey com empresas inseridas na base do diretório de grupos de pesquisa do CNPq, referente ao censo de 2010, que indicavam algum tipo de interação com as referidas áreas. Para a análise dos resultados foram utilizados métodos estatísticos, tais como, análise de clusters, a fim de agrupar as empresas de acordo com a semelhança do grau de capacidade absortiva. Os principais resultados referem-se à importância da capacidade absortiva para o alcance dos objetivos estabelecidos na interação universidade-empresa, bem como para o seu desempenho inovativo. / The academic literature has highlighted important contributions of university-industry interaction for the innovative performance of firms, regions and countries. However, the literature also points to a number of determinants that relationship happen. Among these determinants, is pointed absorptive capacity of companies, that enables acquire, assimilate, transform and commercialize new knowledge gained from the relationship with universities. Given the need for greater assimilation, distribution and use of external knowledge relevant to business, this study sought to examine what are the characteristics of the absorptive capacity of firms that have interaction with universities. In this sense, this study analyzes characteristics and intensity of the absorptive capacity of firms that have interaction with the Engineering and Mechanics of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering University of Rio Grande do Sul. To achieve this goal, we developed a framework with indicators to measure the absorptive capacity. This structure was included in the questionnaire in a survey of businesses located within the directory of research groups from CNPq, referring to the 2010 census, indicating some interaction with those areas. For the analysis of the results were used statistical methods such as cluster analysis to group firms according to the similarity degree of absorptive capacity. The main results refer to the importance of absorptive capacity to achieve the objectives established in the university-industry interaction, as well as for its innovative performance.