Purpose Smart factories and smart manufacturing technologies have gained significance among manufacturing enterprises, especially in developed economies. However, less attention has been paid to this phenomenon in emerging economies. This study examines the determining factors for smart factory adoption in emerging economies using the automotive industry in Nigeria and Morocco as case studies.Design/methodology/approach The study employed a cross-sectional design. Quantitative data were collected from 167 respondents representing five companies, including three automotive manufacturing assemblies and two tier-I suppliers. The participants, who held senior to mid-level management positions, provided insights into their educational background, work experience, company size, level of adoption of smart factory technologies and plans for smart factory adoption. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for descriptive statistics and SmartPLS4 for structural equation modeling.Findings The result shows a significant variation in the adoption levels of various smart factory technologies between Morocco and Nigeria. Notably, significant disparities are observed in additive manufacturing/3D printing (chi 2 = 97.09, p = 0.001), big data (chi 2 = 21.09, p = 0.001), robotics (chi 2 = 95.24, p = 0.001), artificial intelligence (chi 2 = 13.72, p = 0.001) and cyber security (chi 2 = 27.86, p = 0.001). Further, the study identified key factors influencing smart factory adoption, including technological readiness, ecosystem support and management involvement.Originality/value This study contributes one of the few empirical tests of smart factory adoption determinants in Africa's automotive sector, providing comparative evidence from Morocco and Nigeria, two countries with contrasting industrial trajectories. Beyond applying technology, organization, environment (TOE), we specify how TOE relationships shift under low digital maturity and weaker innovation ecosystems, showing that adoption is driven primarily by technological readiness and ecosystem enablement, while some capability-related perceptions can behave differently under constraint. The findings therefore advance Industry 4.0 adoption theory for emerging economies and provide targeted guidance for managers and policymakers seeking to accelerate smart manufacturing in Africa.
PurposeThis study aims to address ambiguities in the technology acceptance model (TAM) by examining the conditions under which TAM constructs positively affect technology adoption, focusing on the interactive effects of perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU) and subjective norms (SN) on behavioral intention (BI).Design/methodology/approachThe research investigates multiple technologies over an extended period, examining conditions at the adoption moment and after three months of usage. A mediated-moderation analysis was employed to explore the interactions among TAM constructs.FindingsPEOU functions as a moderator in the relationship among PU, SN and BI. The effects of PU and SN on BI are heightened when the technology is perceived as easy to use. After three months, a higher level of PEOU is required to sustain continued use.Practical implicationsThe findings underscore the importance of prioritizing ease of use in technology development and marketing, as it significantly influences the impact of recommendations and PU on adoption decisions.Originality/valueThis study introduces a novel approach by examining PEOU as a moderator within the TAM framework, providing new insights into the interactive effects of TAM constructs on technology adoption. The research contributes to resolving conflicting findings in previous TAM studies and offers valuable guidance for sustaining new technology adoption.
PurposeThis study examines the role of green innovation strategy (GIS) and green innovation readiness (GIR), particularly technology readiness (TR), organizational readiness (OR), and environmental readiness (ER), in facilitating the implementation of green innovation (GI) and its subsequent impact on sustainable performance (SP). These readiness factors help organizations prepare for effective GI adoption and sustainability transition.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach was employed to test two structural models using data from 286 respondents representing SMEs in tourist areas within the Yogyakarta Special Region. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine the effects of readiness factors on GI and sustainability performance.FindingsThe first model confirms that both GIS and GIR positively and significantly affect GI, which, in turn, has a significant positive impact on SP. The second model further demonstrates that TR, OR, and ER each have positive and significant effects on GI, which subsequently enhances environmental, economic, and social sustainability outcomes.Originality/valueThis study advances the literature by offering an integrated framework that simultaneously investigates GIS, GIR, GI, and SP within a single model. By focusing on tourism-based SMEs in a developing country context, this study provides new empirical insights into how strategic and readiness-based factors interact to support green innovation.
PurposeOur study seeks to supplement the Uppsala model of internationalization by incorporating two underexplored dimensions, namely, the transformative effects of macroenvironmental shifts driven by Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and the theoretical insights provided by the microfoundation approach, which focuses on how managers perceive, process, and respond to external stimuli on the basis of their cognition.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a dual network capability framework through the exploration–exploitation lens to investigate how managerial cognition and I4.0 technologies influence internationalization. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is applied to data collected from a sample of 116 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from a developed country.FindingsThis study reveals that decision-making strategies associated with higher and lower levels of internationalization are distinct from each other. These findings suggest that the interplay between managerial cognition, network capabilities, and I4.0 technologies plays a significant role in shaping internationalization outcomes.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the internationalization literature by addressing critical gaps in the Uppsala model, particularly through the integration of cognitive and technological factors. This study offers new insights into the decision-making processes underpinning internationalization, advancing both the Uppsala model and the broader field of strategic management.
PurposeThis study examines the evolution of corporate innovation culture, focusing on how board independence and gender diversity impact this trend. It seeks to determine whether innovation culture has strengthened over time and to identify the role of board composition in fostering innovation.Design/methodology/approachUsing a text-based metric from Li et al. (2021), this study analyzes over 50,000 firm-year observations. Temporal trend analysis and regression modeling assess shifts in innovation culture, with a focus on the moderating effects of independent and gender-diverse boards.FindingsThe findings reveal a positive trend in corporate innovation culture, supporting the “innovation surge hypothesis.” Independent directors are shown to enhance long-term strategic thinking, while gender-diverse boards contribute varied perspectives, strengthening the culture of innovation.Originality/valueThis study employs the machine learning-based approach developed by Li et al. (2021) to measure corporate innovation culture, providing fresh insights into how board diversity and independence sustain innovation. By leveraging this novel method, we contribute to the understanding of corporate governance's role in fostering long-term innovative growth.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate the predictive power of institutional pressures (IP)—including coercive, normative, and mimetic influences—on environmental innovations (EI) within medium and large (M&L) manufacturing firms operating in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative study gathered data through structured surveys from key stakeholders in Uganda's manufacturing sector, involving 208 firms across diverse regions. Utilizing SmartPLS Version 4, Structural Equation Modeling was applied to examine the correlation between IP and EI.FindingsOur analysis reveals the significant influence of IP on EI in Uganda's M&L manufacturing firms. While regulatory mandates theoretically relate to EI, our findings suggest no statistically significant association. Conversely, societal norms and mimetic pressures positively impact EI. Notably, mimetic pressures exhibit the strongest predictive potential, followed closely by normative pressures.Research limitations/implicationsOur findings highlight the significant impact of mimetic and normative pressures on EI in Uganda's industrial sector. Policymakers and business leaders can utilize these pressures to foster industry-wide innovations and align strategies with societal values, complementing coercive pressures for regulatory compliance.Originality/valueThis study provides new insights into how IP drive EI in Uganda's manufacturing sector. By clarifying the roles of coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures, it guides policymakers and business leaders in enhancing environmental initiatives.
PurposeThis study examines the key drivers behind intellectual property (IP) registrations across countries, with a focus on International Intellectual Property Registration Strategies (IIPRSs).Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 98 countries to examine the net effects of IIPRS on patent, industrial design and trademark filings by both residents and non-residents. Sixteen variables sourced from international organizations were analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results indicate that the causal relationships unfold in three stages: first, a country’s business-friendly environment positively affects purchasing power and the allocation of resources to research and development (R&D); second, R&D investments drive domestic IP applications but do not motivate foreign filings; and third, consumption capacity encourages IP registrations by both locals and foreigners, with a stronger effect observed among foreign applicants.Research limitations/implicationsOne challenge involved compiling a reliable dataset due to variations across sources and methodological changes in the data series. Future research should adopt longitudinal approaches to capture changes over time.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that managers of innovative firms can make more informed decisions about where to file for IP protection, where to invest and how to balance legal protections with trade secrets. For policymakers, effectively attracting technologies and intellectual investments requires strategically balancing market potential and R&D efforts.Originality/valueThis study highlights how the sophistication of IIPRS reshapes the hierarchy of motivations driving foreign investments in international IP registration.
PurposeThis paper addresses challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary teamwork in innovation management, focusing on how team mental models (TMMs) can foster more effective collaboration among team members from diverse backgrounds. The research examines the relationship between TMM similarity and team performance in interdisciplinary innovation teams.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory study was conducted with 55 participants across 15 teams. TMM similarity was measured by analyzing team interactions using a web-based interface that facilitated contrasted comparison ratings. These ratings were first processed into individual graphs via a shortest-node-finding pathfinder algorithm, then compared. Subject matter experts evaluated team performance.FindingsThe results reveal a significant positive correlation between TMM similarity and team performance in interdisciplinary innovation teams, suggesting that greater alignment in team members' mental models enhances overall innovation project performance.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the academic programs sampled replicate the environment, challenges and various other aspects of innovation projects, they can only be considered proxies for innovation projects within real organizations. Further research within professional environments, using a larger sample, is recommended.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the value of assessing and fostering TMM similarity to improve teamwork and performance in interdisciplinary innovation projects. The interface and code used are publicly available to encourage their implementation in organizations.Originality/valueThis research provides novel insights into the application of TMMs within interdisciplinary innovation teams, extending the concept beyond its traditional use in unidisciplinary and structured task settings.
PurposeThe study aims to clarify the impact of technological uncertainty (TU) on emerging market retail SMEs' performance with the mediating roles of digital capabilities (DCs) and marketing innovation capability (MarIC).Design/methodology/approachThe research applied a convenience sampling including 271 valid responses collected from Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the retail industry. The paper employed partial least squares-structural equation modeling as an analysis technique.FindingsThe findings show that TU has a positive significant statistical impact on retail SMEs' performance. Furthermore, DCs and MarIC serve as mediators in the relationship between TU and firm performance.Originality/valueThis research emphasizes both theoretical and practical contributions, especially practical implications for emerging market retail SMEs in enhancing DCs and innovation capability in marketing to facilitate firms to adapt to TU.
Purpose-This study investigates the effects of smart technologies in urban management on the economic and social dimensions of Brazilian Smart Cities, with a focus on fiscal governance, health, and work. Smart Cities are defined as those that integrate systems, processes, and services through enabling and inclusive technologies that benefit the community. Design/methodology/approach-Grounded in Smart City literature, this empirical study examines the influence of smart technologies on health and work indicators, mediated by fiscal governance. Secondary data from 93 Brazilian Smart Cities were analyzed using structural equation modeling, incorporating mediating effects. Findings-The results indicate that smart technologies positively influence work indicators but do not directly affect health indicators. A positive relationship with health indicators emerges only when mediated by fiscal governance, underscoring the limitations of merely providing technology in Smart Cities. Social implications-Cities with stronger fiscal capacity are better equipped to invest in the tools, personnel, and infrastructure necessary for the effective implementation of health technologies. These findings can help policymakers allocate resources more strategically to benefit the population. Originality/value-This study provides empirical evidence on key social components that must be developed for a Smart City to truly serve its citizens. It demonstrates that technology alone has limited impact, but when combined with effective public policy, it can significantly enhance critical indicators such as public health.
PurposeIn this study we seek to understand the relationship between a trucker's level of human capital, their ease of use of new technology innovations and how this translates into overall port efficiency at the Port of Tema.Design/methodology/approachTo perform this inquiry, we develop a five-construct framework with trucker's self-efficacy and mentorship moderating relationship between human capital, perceived ease of use (PEOU) of new technology innovations and port efficiency. We utilize a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze data retrieved from 174 independent truckers at the Tema Port.FindingsWe find significant relationships between a trucker's human capital variables such as education, skills and training and PEOU, which in turn had effects on efficiency. We also interestingly found that truckers with a higher self-efficacy did not necessarily transition faster with use of the new technologies and those that received mentoring support had varying effects on ease of use of new technology.Originality/valueWe present new and interesting evidence on the new technology innovations at the port, their perceived assimilation into the relatively lowly-educated workforce and how these antecedents affect perceived operational efficiency in a unique African and port context.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate to what extent the adoption of technology by organizations depends on the characteristics of the sector in which they operate. The characteristics under study are the participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs) at the sectoral level. Using the term GVC embeddedness emphasizes that it is about an organization's membership in a sector. Conducting this research is intended to contribute to the technology-organization-environment (TOE) model, which dominates research on the technology adoption by organizations. While the technology and the organization components of the model are well understood, this is less so for the environment component that is central in the present study.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted by combining two datasets. The European Company Survey of 2019 provides data about technology adoption by organizations, as it includes information about whether organizations use robots, data analytics to improve processes for the production of goods and services and data analytics to monitor employee performance. At the sectoral level, these data are combined with data from the Trade in Value Added from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It was possible to match these data on 15 sectors for 28 countries. Over 20,000 companies were included in the analyses. Logistic multi-level modeling was applied to analyze the nested data with binary outcomes.FindingsGVC embeddedness is positively associated with technology adoption. GVC participation at the sectoral level explains a large share of variation in the use of robots. While it also explains the use of data analytics to improve production processes and employee monitoring, it does so to a lesser extent. For these two kinds of technologies, forward participation matters more than backward participation, suggesting that pressure from foreign buyers may explain the use of these technologies.Originality/valueThis study aims to provide the following novel insights to the literature. First, it aims to expand the TOE model by further investigating the environment component of that model. Secondly, it aims to integrate GVC research and research on technology adoption at the organizational level. And, thirdly, it adds novel insights into research concerning the technology-adoption by adding the role of external factors at the sectoral level.
Purpose - This study aims to analyze the triple helix model and its implications in the Brazilian context. Design/methodology/approach - A content analysis was conducted using the methodology developed by Bardin (2011), with support from the Iramuteq software, to examine the theoretical foundations of articles related to the topic. Findings - The research identified several obstacles hindering the efficiency of Brazil's innovation process. These include insufficient integration among stakeholders within the helix, the need to adapt the triple helix model to regional specificities and challenges in effectively incorporating civil society and environmental concerns into the framework. Social implications - Including civil society and environmental dimensions as additional elements in the helix structure presents an opportunity to enhance the innovation process. This highlights the need for cultural shifts to enable effective collaboration among the helices. Originality/value - The findings contribute to the formulation of policies, strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and innovation in Brazil.
PurposeTechnology-driven health insurance products have significant applications for business firms and customers. With their growing popularity, these products can disrupt legacy insurance systems. Based on this notion, this study seeks to identify and validate the factors that affect customers' attitudes toward their buying intentions and readiness to pay for these products.Design/methodology/approachThis study extended the technology acceptance model with privacy, trust, purchase intention and willingness to pay to improve its predictive capability. The data were analyzed using the partial least square technique on a sample comprising 150 respondents.FindingsThe results indicated that all model variables except for privacy concerns were significant and influenced consumers' attitudes toward these technology-driven products. The authors also found a significant difference in the influence of trust on attitude when comparing the genders. A significant mediation between perceived ease of use and attitude was also established.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical investigation in this study offers valuable insights for insurance companies to plan effective marketing strategies that help them disseminate information about the utility and user-friendly aspects of their products, thereby increasing positive attitudes and the plausibility of adoption. It is also advised that the companies tie up with reliable technology platforms. Pricing policies can be designed keeping in mind that the consumers are willing to pay even more to avail the benefits of the products.Originality/valueThe current study intends to fill the gaps in the existing literature by demystifying the purchase intention-willingness to pay relation regarding technology-based health insurance products in India.
PurposeRecent literature has increasingly analyzed Science and Technology Parks (STPs) as heterogeneous ecosystems. However, studies on STPs in emerging countries remain limited. This study aims to develop a typology of STP profiles based on their distinctive characteristics in a developing country and to compare these profiles with the context of developed countries.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory methodology was adopted to identify STP profiles in the Brazilian context. The analysis focused on four dimensions associated with their configurations: structural characteristics, knowledge generation, resource availability and local context. Cluster analysis was conducted using SPSS software.FindingsThe study identifies three distinct clusters of STPs: University-Based, Legitimator and Firms-Hotel. These clusters differ significantly in terms of resource provision, associations with research centers and universities and age.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is constrained by the sample size. Furthermore, it does not explore differences in the operational dynamics of the clusters over time.Practical implicationsThe findings demonstrate that Brazilian STPs are composed of diverse elements, highlighting the need for policies and strategies that move beyond assumptions of structural isomorphism. Such policies and strategies should focus on resource complementarity with local capacities. The research also underscores the potential of using clustering methodologies as a foundation for evaluating the impact of STPs on the performance of tenant firms.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the heterogeneous nature of STPs in emerging economies and differences to developed countries context.
PurposeThis study aims to empirically examine how Hungarian-accredited innovation clusters leverage strategic and innovation capabilities to promote market-oriented innovation through enhanced intra-cluster cooperation, particularly under conditions of declining and inconsistent state support. It examines how strategic capabilities, rather than external support, enable clusters to maintain competitiveness and orientation.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach is used, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. The qualitative phase involved interviews with key cluster stakeholders, which helped develop the hypotheses and scale items. The quantitative phase surveyed 120 member companies across diverse industries, including information and communications technology, healthcare and machinery. Factor analysis and correlation analysis were employed to assess the relationships between strategic capabilities, intra-cluster cooperation and market orientation, ensuring methodological rigor.FindingsThe results show that strategic and innovation capabilities significantly improve intra-cluster cooperation, which positively impacts market orientation. Effective coordination and information flow among cluster members are essential for market-driven innovation outcomes. However, a weaker focus on competitor orientation emerged, highlighting an area for improvement in clusters' strategic focus. The research demonstrates how clusters can sustain innovation through internal collaboration and capabilities, even with fluctuating external support.Originality/valueThis study adds to the theoretical discourse on market-oriented innovation by providing empirical evidence from Hungarian clusters, a context underexplored in prior research. It extends existing market orientation frameworks by showing the importance of intra-cluster cooperation and internal capabilities for maintaining market relevance, especially in emerging markets. The findings offer practical insights for cluster managers and policymakers on fostering innovation when state support is inconsistent.
Purpose This article investigates the impact of relational social capital (RSC) and relational risk perception (RRP) on innovation openness (IO) and examines whether innovation openness serves as a precursor to organizations’ innovation capability (IC). Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a survey with 189 Brazilian companies operating within technology parks. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) was employed to test the proposed conceptual framework. Findings The results reveal that RSC positively influences IO, while RRP tends to reduce openness. The analysis of relational aspects demonstrates that open innovation significantly contributes to the development of innovation capabilities. Furthermore, the presence of relational intensity enhances the effectiveness of RSC on IO and fosters the development of innovative skills. Practical implications This study broadens the discussion on the dynamics of interorganizational relationships by exploring the interplay between relational aspects and open innovation in the development of capabilities. Additionally, it provides managers with a framework to assess their organization’s innovation processes through relational perspectives, enabling them to maximize innovation capabilities. Originality/value This research addresses the conditions under which relationships are influenced by relational aspects, introducing relational intensity as a moderator in the proposed model between RSC-IO and IO-IC. It also explores the interconnections among RSC, RRP, IO, and IC, offering a comprehensive analysis of their combined impact.
Purpose The study explores the factors influencing consumers’ motivation to use video streaming services of over-the-top (OTT) platforms and their willingness to pay for those services. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 256 Indian consumers of OTT services, the study empirically tests a research framework based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and uses and gratifications theory (UGT). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to analyze the primary data and explain consumers’ motivations toward the OTT services. Findings The findings suggest that consumers’ intentions to use OTT services are determined by both extrinsic as well as intrinsic factors. However, their motivations to pay for OTT services are strongly linked with intrinsic factors such as instrumental use, interactive control and flow experience. Research limitations The research focuses largely upon the individual motivations and perception towards the OTT services. It omits the prevalent communal behaviors in Indian households, where use of OTT may be considered as a shared activity. This study relies upon the data collected from urban technology savvy individuals. This may not accurately reflect the opinion of rural consumers where accessing OTT is increasing rapidly. Practical implications The study will guide the global OTT players to design strategies and successfully expand their operations in emerging markets. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by explaining the attitudes of Indian consumers toward OTT services.
PurposeThe paper aims to propose the definition of individual orchestration competence concept and the identification of its main attributes for orchestrating innovation ecosystems.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was conducted, from 2006 to 2024, considering Dhanaraj and Parkhe (2006) as a theoretical-conceptual framework, in Scopus and Web of Science databases. Seminal articles, books, articles and references cited in the selected articles were also used.FindingsIn this research, we highlight the need for competence for orchestrators to work in an innovation ecosystem. For this, we propose individual orchestration competence and its attributes. Next, we propose the Individual Orchestration Competence Theoretical Model in Innovation Ecosystem.Research limitations/implicationsThe results advance the field of orchestration by promoting the expansion of the network and ecosystem orchestration model, from the perspective of orchestrators' roles and activities and orchestration dimension, to an ecosystemic and dynamic orchestration competence model.Practical implicationsAs theoretical contributions, the proposition of individual orchestration competence concept and its attributes. Also the expansion of the existing theoretical model to a competence approach. As managerial contributions, we highlight the orchestration competence required of innovation ecosystem orchestrators.Social implicationsSocial implications are promoted as orchestrators understand their importance in the innovation ecosystem.Originality/valueThe orchestration literature has focused on its roles, activities and dimensions. Recently, the different orchestrators' roles have been discussed, but little progress has been made. Therefore, this study has the novelty of exploring individual level - the orchestrator -, proposing an individual orchestration competence model.
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to identify the predominant modes to realize corporate-startup engagement (CSE). Design/methodology/approach – We carried out a systematic literature review to synthesize how startups and corporations collaborate in this form of innovation. Findings – The authors found 19 CSE modes, which range from modes that involve less risk and are simpler to those that involve more risk and are more complex. Originality/value – The findings consolidate the state of the art on the modes of CSE. It can help scholars drive novel research departing from consolidated findings, and practitioners can understand how collaboration between corporations and startups takes place and anticipate future challenges.
