ACADEMIC ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PLANNING

This study explores how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) contribute to societal progress by enhancing research and innovation through the integration of social innovation. It emphasizes the need for holistic collaboration between HEIs, government agencies, NGOs, and communities. Central to this study are the concepts of social innovation and absorptive capacity, which together influence the ability of academics to plan and implement impactful research. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected via surveys and analyzed using SPSS 25 and PLS-SEM 3.0. The findings reveal that potential absorptive capacity is significantly related to realized absorptive capacity, and both are positively associated with innovation achievement. These results underscore the significance of academic absorptive capacity in driving innovative research that addresses societal challenges. The study offers valuable insights for research and innovation planning in HEIs, supporting efforts to align academic output with inclusive and sustainable national development goals under the Malaysia MADANI framework.