Andrzej Lis, Dr., Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, ul. Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland. Doctrine and Training Centre of the Polish Armed Forces, Bydgoszcz, Poland; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Agata Sudolska, Dr. hab., Professor UMK, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, ul. Gagarina 11, 87-100, Toruń, Poland; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to study the role of absorptive capacity for the company growth and competitive advantage through open innovations. The case of Frauenthal Automotive Toruń is used to explore how the routines and best practices associated with the firm absorptive capacity contribute to its success. The case study is to validate the thesis that through developing skills to recognize valuable knowledge in the environment, acquire this knowledge, assimilate, transform and develop it companies are able to apply and benefit from open innovations in order to grow and strengthen their competitive advantages. In order to achieve the aim of the paper the following research objectives have been set: (1) to identify the lessons and
best practices applied in Frauenthal Automotive Toruń in relation to the company absorptive capacity; (2) to analyze the relationships between the concepts of absorptive capacity and open innovation; (3) to exemplify and discuss the outcomes of the company absorptive capacity in regard to innovations, company growth and competitive advantage.

Keywords: absorptive capacity, open innovation, company growth, competitive advantage.