Influence of production technology innovation strategy on business success: A case of fresh produce exporters in Kenya

Abstract

Despite the fact that recent advances in technology offers opportunity for increased efficiency and business success in many sectors, Kenya’s agribusiness sector has not fully enjoyed increased benefits associated with technological advancement. Hence, the purpose of this study was to establish the influence of production technology innovation strategy on business success, with a focus on the fresh produce export industry in Kenya. The study used a descriptive correlational survey research design. Using a target population of 725 management level employees, the study narrowed to a sample size 258 respondents and employed stratified random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires while results were presented using tables and figures. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the study variables. The study revealed thatproduction technology strategy, that included production technology use, production technology innovation inclusion and technology innovation training have a statistically significant influence on firm success with (β=0.469, p=0.005; β=0.403, p=0.005 & β=0.452, p=0.005), respectively. As such, the study concluded that production technology innovation strategy has significant influence on Business success among fresh produce exporters in Kenya. The study recommends that the management of export produce firms in Kenya should emphasize more on technology use in their production, as well as revamp their technology inclusion, training and innovation.