Development of the Absorptive Capacity through Knowledge Management practices in Food SMES of the Manufacture Sector

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge management practices carried out by SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Orizaba and Puebla region and the impact of these on their absorptive capacity; to achieve it, an investigation was conducted applying a validated instrument. The results indicate that these companies should work with the implementation of practices for identifying and obtaining knowledge of suppliers, customers and competitors. The lowest level was obtained in the conversion factor of knowledge, which demonstrates the inability to transform and adapt the valuable information identified to the needs of the organization. The evaluation of knowledge application showed that SMEs are able to take advantage of new knowledge to solve problems, respond to changing competitive conditions and improve efficiency. Also identify areas of opportunity that should work to improve the absorptive capacity of SMEs.