A commentary on “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?” by Snejina Michailova and Irina Jormanainen

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a response to the viewpoint by Michailova and Jormanainen under the title “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?” ( CPoIB , Vol. 7 No. 3). Design/methodology/approach – The author reflects on her own business experience through the lens of the key terms used in the viewpoint. Findings – Based on what the author has experienced in her interaction with Western business partners, she concludes that knowledge transfer needs to be perceived and understood as a two‐way learning process. Practical implications – Many of the business projects conducted jointly by Russians and Westerners would not have failed if knowledge transfer is understood and practised as a learning process that goes both ways, from Westerners to Russians and vice versa. Originality/value – The commentary provides the author's view as a practitioner who is involved in numerous business projects with Westerners. Such a view is of value, it is hoped, to researchers who study the themes of knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity.