From Knowledge to Agility: The Transformative Power of Absorptive Capacity in Supply Chains

Purpose: This study examines the effect of absorptive capacity on supply chain agility in Jordanian pharmaceutical companies.The research highlights how absorptive capacity enhances agility dimensions-flexibility, speed, responsiveness, and efficiency-essential for navigating the industry's competitive and regulatory challenges.Methodology: A descriptiveanalytical design was employed.Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire distributed to 226 senior and middle managers across 24 pharmaceutical firms, resulting in 185 valid responses (81.9%).Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the relationships between absorptive capacity dimensions and supply chain agility.Findings: Results demonstrate that absorptive capacity has a significant impact on supply chain agility, explaining 70.9% of its variance.Knowledge assimilation emerged as the most influential dimension, followed by knowledge exploitation, acquisition, and transformation.Among agility dimensions, speed was most affected, followed by efficiency, responsiveness, and flexibility.Both absorptive capacity and agility were found at moderate levels, indicating potential for improvement in how knowledge is assimilated and applied.Practical Implications: The study recommends enhancing knowledge management systems, leveraging digital technologies such as AI and IoT, strengthening organizational learning, and fostering strategic partnerships to improve agility and competitiveness.Originality/Value: The research contributes to the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities literature by positioning absorptive capacity as a critical driver of supply chain performance in the pharmaceutical sector.Limitations: The focus on a single industry, reliance on quantitative methods, and cross-sectional design limit generalizability.Future research should explore diverse sectors, adopt qualitative approaches, and conduct longitudinal studies to assess long-term effects.