The Influence of Strategic Prospectivity, Absorptive Capacity, and Boundary-Spanning Search on Exaptation

This study forms a moderated mediating model by introducing the two variables of absorptive capacity and boundary-spanning search to explore the influence of strategic prospectivity on exaptation. The paper focuses on the mediating role of boundary-spanning search and the moderating role of absorptive capacity. The results show that (1) strategic prospectivity has a significant positive impact on exaptation and boundary-spanning search mediates the relationship between strategic prospectivity and exaptation. (2) Potential absorptive capacity and realized absorptive capacity strengthen the relationship between boundary-spanning search and exaptation. (3) Potential absorptive capacity regulates the mediating role of boundary-spanning search. The hypothesis that put forward that realized absorptive capacity positively regulates the mediating effect of boundary-spanning search has not been verified. The research findings enrich our understanding of the impact mechanisms of exaptation and offer valuable insights for Chinese enterprises seeking to promote exaptation practices.