We　developed　a　model　in　which　absorptive　capacity　mediates　between　knowledge　network　relational　embeddedness　and　disruptive　innovation　performance.　Using　a　survey-based　sample　of　251　Chinese　firms,　this　study＇s　findings　show　that　relational　trust　between　knowledge　network　linkages　will　enhance　corporation　disruptive　innovation　performance　through　the　mediation　of　exploratory　learning.　In　the　three　dimensions　of　ACAP,　exploratory　learning　is　the　only　factor　which　can　foster　disruptive　innovation　performance.　In　contrast,　neither　transformative　learning　nor　exploitative　learning　has　direct　impact　on　disruptiveness　of　innovation.　More　surprisingly,　our　research　suggests　that　relational　closeness　with　knowledge　network　linkages　has　no　relationship　with　disruptive　innovation.　Relational　closeness　of　knowledge　network　may　only　improve　transformative　learning　and　exploitative　learning　but　not　exploratory　learning.　Implications　for　the　theory　and　practice　of　disruptive　innovation　are　discussed,　and　future　research　directions　offered.　©　2013　PICMET.