Effects of governance mechanisms on the absorptive capacity of international collaboration projects: a case study in the company Embrapa

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to elucidate how transactional (contracts) and relational (trust, alignment of objectives, and communication) governance mechanisms foster absorptive capacity to enhance international cooperation in R&D projects. To achieve this purpose, a case study was conducted involving 10 Embrapa research projects with international collaboration. The research results, obtained through interviews and documentary research, demonstrated that contracts served as a guide for coordination activities, specifying objectives, goals, and responsibilities. The efficacy of relational mechanisms facilitated the exchange of information, knowledge, expertise, and resources, as well as promoting joint problem-solving, effectively strengthening the absorptive capacity of the teams. These findings reinforce to managers the importance of governance mechanisms to enhance the absorptive capacity of teams and improve project performance.

KEYWORDS
Absorptive capacity; Governance mechanisms; Performance; Innovation; International cooperation