Technology Acquisition Research Articles

Global scaling by SMEs: Role of innovation and technology

SMEs need to possess the capability to innovate and interact effectively with other firms in connected networks of shared production and innovation in order to effectively scale globally. The study used descriptive and inferential design. Correlations and multiple/multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the functional relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The independent variables relating to innovation and technology are: new technologies, breakthrough/new-to-the market products, new and improved processes, incremental innovation, product replacement, acquisition of new technology, and extensive use of existing technology platforms. The dependent variable was global scaling by SMEs. The senior management of selected 205 firms were surveyed and 175 firms responded. The key findings from the research is that: there is a positive relationship between product replacement, acquisition of new technology, and use of existing technology platforms for and global scaling by SMEs. SMEs require to pursue incremental and radical innovations to stay competitive and scale globally but they have limited resources to undertake R&D and knowledge to protect their intellectual property. The implication for practice is a necessity for building robust entrepreneurial ecosystem to facilitate collaboration/networking and SMEs support to undertake R&D and to pursue incremental and radical innovations to stay competitive and scale globally. The implication for policy is a need for collaboration between industry, universities and government in pursuing policies for provision of resources for R&D and exposure of SMEs to critical technologies, particularly in areas of rapid technological changes, including industry 4.0 technologies, to facilitate global scaling.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography with Deep Learning Image Reconstruction: A Preliminary Study to Evaluate Radiation Exposure Reduction.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a medical imaging technique that produces detailed images of the coronary arteries. Our work focuses on the optimization of the prospectively ECG-triggered scan technique, which delivers the radiation efficiently only during a fraction of the R-R interval, matching the aim of reducing radiation dose in this increasingly used radiological examination. In this work, we analyzed how the median DLP (Dose-Length Product) values for CCTA of our Center decreased significantly in recent times mainly due to a notable change in the technology used. We passed from a median DLP value of 1158 mGy·cm to 221 mGy·cm for the whole exam and from a value of 1140 mGy·cm to 204 mGy·cm if considering CCTA scanning only. The result was obtained through the association of important factors during the dose imaging optimization: technological improvement, acquisition technique, and image reconstruction algorithm intervention. The combination of these three factors allows us to perform a faster and more accurate prospective CCTA with a lower radiation dose. Our future aim is to tune the image quality through a detectability-based study, combining algorithm strength with automatic dose settings.

FIBER OPTICAL SENSORS FOR IOT FACILITIES

Mass development of the latest applications for the famous 19 services of the Internet of things (IOT) becomes dominant a factor in the intellectually intensive segments of automation of technological systems. IoT is supported by regulatory switching of IoT components and devices to the Internet for information exchange with these facilities in order to control and regulate their functional modes. Our article prescribes the use of fiber optic sensors devices that can be equipped with technological and industrial installations in order to monitor them and detect deviations from operating modes. The development of fiber optic communication and monitoring devices makes IOT systems easily manageable and remotely adjustable. The integration of devices for reading technological parameters and their further transmission over a fiber optic network gives rise to several problems that were analyzed in detail in the article. In this regard, it can be established that fiber optic IOT has a broad development perspective. This article describes the current capabilities of the Internet of Things, and the constituent components of the Internet of Things, and also presents the theoretical premises that underlie the Internet of Things. Keywords: Internet of things, fiber-optical sensor, fiber network, signal processing, home safety monitoring, technological parameters acquisition.

Impact of Foreign Direct Investment, Inflation, Labor Force, and Population on Improving Living Standards in the Philippines

Vast amount of literature has well-established FDI as an important determinant of technology acquisition and modernization, economic development, capital accumulation, and employment. Economists are too engrossed in how FDI positively affects the economic growth of both the home and host countries; only a few have been associated with investigating how FDI actually improved the living standards of the people. This paper examined the impact of FDI, Inflation, Labor Force, and Population on improving living standards in the Philippines from 1985 to 2021 using the different econometric tests which are: (1) Augmented Dickey-Fuller Test, (2) Jarque-Bera Normality Test, (3) Variance Inflation Factor, (4) Breusch-Pagan Heteroskedasticity test, (5) Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey Autocorrelation test, (6) RAMSEY Reset test, (7) Correlation Matrix, (9) OLS Multiple Regression, (10) Johansen Cointegration and (11) Granger Causality. The findings in the various tests revealed that FDI, Inflation, Labor Force Participation, and Population have cointegrating relationships with Self-Rated Poverty Rate within the time series. Moreover, the OLS regression model has shown that Labor Force Participation and Inflation have significant relationships with living standards while the country’s FDI and Population are insignificant. Granger Causality also revealed that Inflation, Labor Force, and Population Granger caused living standards in the Philippines and only FDI not. With all of the results of the tests, it is evident that the dependent variables affect the living standards in the Philippines, it just varies on how little or extensive it is. This study supports the loosened restrictions to foreign ownership as the results affirmed the significant effects of most of the dependent variables on the Self-Rated Poverty Incidence; however, must still take precautionary measures as some variables exhibit insignificance in the long run. The paper recommends implementing policies that are moderately reliant on Foreign Direct Investment, Population, Inflation, and Labor Force Participation rate because all of the variables are proven to be related to the Self-Rated Poverty Incidence, which is the variable used to measure the living standards in the Philippines. However, the Philippine government should focus and be meticulous on policy clauses that would benefit not just the corporate but also its employees to help attain prosperity for the country and its countrymen and to help alleviate poverty.

Expiry of veterinary medicines in supply outlets in Central Uganda: prevalence, management and associated factors

BackgroundAnimal diseases are a danger to livestock, businesses, and public health. This is why the public and private sectors in Africa have invested immensely in the manufacture and distribution of veterinary drugs. However, veterinary drug supply chain actors still suffer losses as a result of expiration. Besides, the way expired products are managed might pose risks to human, animal, and environmental health. This study investigated the prevalence, management of, and factors associated with the expiry of veterinary medicines in supply outlets in Central Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among owners and caretakers of veterinary drug supply outlets. Data were collected using self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires. The level of expiry was computed as “acceptable” (for levels reported as ≤ 5%) and “unacceptable” (for levels reported as ˃5%). Logistic regression was used to assess associations between the level of drug expiry and predictor variables.ResultsA total of 168 owners/caretakers of veterinary drug supply outlets were included in this study. The majority (148/168, 88.1%) of respondents reported having experienced expiries in their outlets. Unacceptable levels of expiry were reported in 38/168 (22.6%) of the outlets. Retail outlets accounted for the majority (34/38, 89.5%) of the unacceptable levels. Powdered drugs accounted for most expiries (106/148, 71.6%). Most expiries were for drugs supplied to outlets on credit (58/124, 46.8%) and those used to treat rare diseases (26/124, 21%). Major reasons for expiry included irrational prescription, inaccurate forecasts, overstocking, dry seasons, and stocking without considering stock-at-hand. Methods of disposal of expired drugs included throwing at pits (74/168, 44.1%); returning drugs to suppliers (51/168, 30.4%); and incineration (33/168, 19.6%). Factors associated with acceptable levels of expiry included the caretaker being female [adjusted OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.22–5.08]; having a procurement policy [adjusted OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.29–4.81] and practicing first expiry, first out [adjusted OR = 6.07, 95% CI = 4.71–8.70].ConclusionsVeterinary drug expiries are common in Uganda, and environmentally unfriendly methods of disposal are widely used. Acquisition and use of inventory tracking technologies that support First-Expiry-First-Out principles as well as proper disposal of expired medicines are recommended.

Sectoral growth and carbon dioxide emission in Africa: can renewable energy mitigate the effect?

Owing to increased energy consumption, the growth of various sectors of economies has the tendency to increase carbon dioxide emissions, a major component of greenhouse gases that causes climate change and global warming. A suggested panacea is to increase the development and usage of renewable energy which is cleaner and emits less carbon dioxide. In this study the carbon dioxide emission effect of growth in the agricultural sector, industrial sector, and service sector is assessed. It goes on to analyse the moderation role of renewable energy in the sectoral growth-carbon dioxide emissions nexus. Using data from 32 African countries for the period 2002–2021, the study finds that expansion in agricultural sector, industrial sector and service sector exerts upward pressure on carbon dioxide emissions for the region while renewable energy reduces carbon emissions. Furthermore, renewable energy interacts with the agricultural and industrial sectors to reduce their impact on carbon emissions while the opposite is observed for the service sector. Other findings are that trade openness, urbanization and income increase carbon dioxide emissions. The study recommends the need to remove financial impediments that constrain firms operating in the various sectors of African economies. This will enhance their acquisition of efficient technologies for operations in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Also, governments in the region should increase financial support for the development and adoption of renewable energy. Incentives should be introduced to “lure” firms to adopt renewable energy. Imposition of a heavy tax on firms in the service sector whose operations cause higher emission may help ensure the sector becomes environmentally friendly.

China’s technology acquisition for military innovation: spectrum of legality in strategic competition

ABSTRACT The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) acquires foreign technology to upgrade its military capabilities. We describe how PRC-affiliated actors acquire technology according to a legal, extra-legal, and illegal taxonomy based on laws in the United States and highlight each activity using illustrative examples. Policymakers in advanced industrial countries lack comprehensive data and do not have accurate estimates of the size of the problem for activities such as technology licensing, investing in technology companies, or talent programs. For intellectual property theft, the economic estimates are high but assessing the impact on military innovation remains fraught with measurement errors. Devising appropriate policy responses requires a complete inventory of methods used across the spectrum of legality to decide on technology protection priorities and allocate resources accordingly.

A Functional Cell Biology Company Is Formed

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology NewsVol. 43, No. 5 DepartmentsA Functional Cell Biology Company Is FormedPhenomeX, created through Berkeley Lights' acquisition of IsoPlexis, consolidates optofluidic and barcoding technologies to realize phenomic applicationsGail DuttonGail DuttonSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:8 May 2023https://doi.org/10.1089/gen.43.05.04AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View articleFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 43Issue 5May 2023 Information© 2023 by GEN PublishingTo cite this article:Gail Dutton.A Functional Cell Biology Company Is Formed.Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.May 2023.14-15.http://doi.org/10.1089/gen.43.05.04Published in Volume: 43 Issue 5: May 8, 2023PDF download

Organizational Inertia, Digital Capabilities, Digital Transformation, and Firm Competencies

Research Aims: This research aims to look at the impact of organizational inertia on digital capabilities and digital transformation to optimise firm competencies. Design/Methodology/Approach: The dataset was produced through a quantitative survey of 125 Indonesian businesses using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) to analyse the data. Research Findings: The results of this study indicate that digital capabilities and digital transformation indirectly impact business competencies due to organizational inertia. While organizational inertia affects digital capabilities but not digital transformation, the latter affects both a firm's skills. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the literatures on organizational behaviour and strategic management by investigating the impact of organizational inertia on the achievement of digital transformation and its impact on firm competencies. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: The research findings embrace digital transformation practices by enhancing firms' digital capabilities, particularly in digital transformation response, digital opportunity identification, innovative digital technology product development, acquisition, and mastery of cutting-edge digital technologies. Research Limitation & Implications: The findings of this study reflect the conditions of numerous enterprises operating in several industry sectors in Indonesia during the chaotic post-COVID-19 pandemic period. Furthermore, the survey respondents represent a diverse range of businesses at varying stages of digital transformation implementation. Keywords: Inertia, Digital Capabilities, Digital Transformation, Firm Competencies

Technology Company Merger and Acquisition: a Study of Indonesian and European Union Competition Law

Technology has become an essential part of human activities, people's needs and demands for it are significantly increased. People have become dependent on technology because they use it to travel, communicate, learn, do business and simplify human life. Currently, technology-based companies are growing rapidly all over the world, as we can see how Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Apple, and various other companies dominate the market. Likewise in Indonesia, people's activities cannot be separated from various products from technology-based companies, such as Gojek, Tokopedia, Shopee, Grab, Traveloka, etc. Recently, Gojek and Tokopedia officially merged to become the GoTo Group and are claimed to be the largest technology group in Indonesia. This merger is usually carried out by business actors to seek more profit and to become a company that wins the market both on a national and international scale and in fact has a significant impact on changes in structure and control over the market so that there is a potential for abuse of dominant position to occur by limiting the choice of both products, quality, and price. Based on this case, this normative research using the case approach and statute approach aims to analyze how Indonesian competition law regulates technology company mergers, by comparing it with European Union competition law. The conclusion of this research is, lesson learn from European Union, Indonesian Competition Law needs to adapt the Data Protection Law in reviewing tehcnology company mergers in Indonesia.

Technology-oriented M&A, market reaction and innovation output

PurposeThe purpose of technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is to achieve innovation. The authors use the data from the China Patent Research System of China National Intellectual Property Administration to classify technical correlations into three types: similar, complementary and nonrelatedness (cross-sectoral category). And the authors explore three issues: the market reaction to technology-oriented M&A, the impact of technology-oriented M&A on goodwill and how technology-oriented M&A affects innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use data from China Patent Research System of China National Intellectual Property Administration to classify technical correlations into three types: similar, complementary and nonrelatedness (cross-sectoral category). And the authors explore three issues: the market reaction of technology-oriented M&A, the impact of technology-oriented M&A on goodwill and how technology-oriented M&A affects innovation. The empirical research shows that the cross-sectoral M&A is popular in the market and is positively correlated with cumulative abnormal return (CAR) and premium rate of M&A. However, the technology-similarity M&A, which is committed to in-depth exploration of original technology, is negatively correlated with CAR and goodwill.FindingsThe empirical research shows that cross-sectoral M&A is popular in the market and is positively correlated with CAR and premium rate of M&A. However, the technology-similarity M&A, which is committed to in-depth exploration of original technology, is negatively correlated with CAR and goodwill. In addition, empirical results show that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between technology-oriented M&A and innovation output, and the inflection points are 41.8%, 48.9% and 38.8%, respectively.Originality/valueThe research contributions of this paper are as follows: first, most domestic studies simply and roughly measure the degree of technical relevance based on whether the firms belong to the same industry and whether there is common knowledge between them, but the authors provide a more accurate measure of technology-oriented M&A. Second, in the research on the economic consequences of technology-oriented M&As, a large number of literatures have mainly focused on the innovation performance of the acquirer after deals, including the number of patent applications, the number of patent citations, innovation output, etc., and they pay less attention to its impact on the market reaction and goodwill.

Role of open innovation and patents on strategic decision making

AbstractThe fourth industrial revolution, as it is popularly known, is transforming the overall ecosystem of business and is swiftly affecting the structure of organizations with respect to their working strategy. It is leading to enhanced collaboration and cross‐application of center‐specific fundamentals across various industries. As a result, collaboration and cross‐licensing of technologies have become the norm rather than an exception. Open innovation, therefore, plays a critical role in various horizontal applications of industry‐specific concepts. As a result, choices such as “keep or sell” or “make or buy” research and development (R&D) supplies have become extremely critical and significant. Therefore, patent‐based research is required as an enabling tool for assisting research on an open innovation‐based approach. This article projects an in‐depth review of the research articles related to various aspects of open innovation and patents and their overall impact on firm performance. This article also suggests an open innovation model that cumulates the role of patents and institutional participation with a focus on firm performance. The impact of open innovation on firm performance is evaluated with respect to variables on market positioning, R&D capacity building with respect to technology lifecycle, the impact of intellectual property, for instance, the existence of valid patents and know‐how, and the process of acquisition of technologies by such organizations.

Budget Impact Analysis of the FreeStyle Libre Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring System® in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Multiple Daily Insulin Injections in Argentina.

To estimate the budget impact of the potential coverage of FreeStyle Libre Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (FSL) for glycemia monitoring in all type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients and in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with multiple daily insulin injections, from the social security and the private third-party payer's perspective in Argentina. A budget impact model was developed to estimate the cost difference between the self-monitoring of blood glucose (standard of care) and FSL over 5years. Input parameters were retrieved from local literature complemented by expert opinion. Health care costs were estimated by a micro-costing approach and reported in USD as of April 2022 (1 USD = 113.34 Argentine pesos). One-way sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted. From a social security third-party payer perspective, the incorporation of FSL was associated with net savings per member per month (PMPM) of $0.026 (Year 1) to $0.097 (Year 5) and net savings PMPM of $0.002 (Year 1) to $0.008 (Year 5) for T1DM and T2DM patients, respectively. Similar findings are reported from the private third-party payer perspective. The budget impact results were more sensitive to the acquisition costs of the FSL and test strips. The potential coverage of FSL in patients with T1DM and T2DM with multiple daily insulin injections could be associated with small financial savings considering current technology acquisition costs (FSL and test strips) for social security and the private sector third-party payers in Argentina.

A qualitative study on the feasibility and acceptability of institutionalizing health technology assessment in Malawi

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of institutionalizing Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Malawi.MethodsThis study employed a document review and qualitative research methods, to understand the status of HTA in Malawi. This was complemented by a review of the status and nature of HTA institutionalization in selected countries.Qualitative research employed a Focus Group Discussion (FGD ) with 7 participants, and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with12 informants selected based on their knowledge and expertise in policy processes related to HTA in Malawi.Data extracted from the literature was organized in Microsoft Excel, categorized according to thematic areas and analyzed using a literature review framework. Qualitative data from KIIs and the FGD was analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach.ResultsSome HTA processes exist and are executed through three structures namely: Ministry of Health Senior Management Team, Technical Working Groups, and Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) with varyingdegrees of effectiveness.The main limitations of current HTA mechanisms include limited evidence use, lack of a standardized framework for technology adoption, donor pressure, lack of resources for the HTA process and technology acquisition, laws and practices that undermine cost-effectiveness considerations. KII and FGD results showed overwhelming demand for strengthening HTA in Malawi, with a stronger preference for strengthening coordination and capacity of existing entities and structures.ConclusionThe study has shown that HTA institutionalization is acceptable and feasible in Malawi. However, the current committee based processes are suboptimal to improve efficiency due to lack of a structured framework. A structured HTA framework has the potential to improve processes in pharmaceuticals and medical technologies decision-making.In the short to medium term, HTA capacity building should focus on generating demand and increasing capacity in cost-effectiveness assessments. Country-specific assessments should precede HTA institutionalization as well as recommendations for new technology adoptions.

Crowding effect of institutional openness based on the big data algorithm on the efficiency of new energy technology innovation.

In recent years, new energy vehicles, as a high-tech industry, have developed rapidly. This paper uses "number of new energy project personnel" and "hours of R&D (research and development) personnel" as design indicators to evaluate the investment of innovative talents in enterprises. This paper first introduces the supporting factors of the innovation environment in the input of innovation resources, and conducts research from four perspectives: human resources, innovation R&D, technology acquisition, and environmental support. In the construction of the innovation output index system, this paper outlines that the technological innovation (TI) achievements of enterprises are related to factors such as technological capabilities, profits, and market competitiveness of enterprises. Finally, this paper evaluates it from three aspects: the research and development achievements, the economic benefits obtained and the competitive benefits of the enterprise. The results show that from 2018 to 2022, the average technological innovation efficiency of new energy enterprises is 1.06; TI's efficiency indicators in the past five years are all above 1, and the overall improvement trend of TI is relatively stable. The new energy vehicle collaborative innovation system constructed in this paper will promote the overall development of the new energy vehicle industry.

Innovation performance feedback and patent acquisition from the market: A behavioral perspective

AbstractFirms can facilitate external technology sourcing through transactions from the market. This study focuses on determinants of demand‐side motivation to join the technology transactions market. Drawing on the behavioral theory of the firm, we suggest that one of such determinants is the desire of a firm, whose innovation performance is below its aspiration level, to find a technology that will help improve its performance. Furthermore, we suggest that inconsistent feedback on its multiple goals and the type of R&D structure as moderating factors that can influence a firm's acquisition of technology in response to its poor performance.

Notes on the Wire: Telegraphic Opening and Ideology in Modern Afghanistan

This article considers the cultural and political force of the telegraph in early twentieth-century Afghanistan where new media technology influenced the social milieu and transformed the sense of contemporary consciousness. I consider how wired and wireless telegraphy were interwoven with Allied imperial aims in the inter-war years and specifically how they became a much-anticipated medium of global connectivity and of ideological anxiety and political sabotage. I argue that at the heart of this tension there was a much deeper ambivalence about the place of ideological and cultural difference in the modern era of technological acquisition and a concomitant anxiety about the task of interpreting that difference.

Do repeated alliances within patent pools encourage enterprise innovation? Evidence from MPEG LA

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether repeated alliances between two members of a patent pool boost enterprise innovation. Furthermore, this paper intends to determine whether the innovation performance becomes higher or lower based on the partnership characteristics.Design/methodology/approachIn this empirical study, hierarchical regression is used to analyze the longitudinal data obtained from 12 patent pools managed by MPEG LA during a time period ranging from 2006 to 2018. The members of patent pools comprise research institutions, firms and universities. Research analyses are performed based on a sample of 68,400 member pairs who had established repeated alliances. The information regarding such pairs is gathered from public databases.FindingsRepeated alliances positively correlate with enterprise innovation performance in patent pools; this performance is higher when the two enterprises have exploratory collaborations. Conversely, the performance is lower when the partners have a similar technology base and are engaged in a technological competition (competitive learning and patent litigation). Moreover, the performance is lower when one partner demonstrates higher network centrality and richer structural holes than the other partner.Originality/valuePatent pools play an instrumental role in eliminating patent-licensing barriers, thereby allowing mutual acquisition of complementary technologies, and cooperatively strengthening technology development. From the perspective of theories of coopetition, knowledge management and social network, this study explores the impact of patent pools on enterprise innovation performance and ascertains the moderating roles of technology coopetition, technology similarity and network position, thereby expanding the scope of innovation effect in the context of patent pools.

Network centrality and technology acquisitions: Evidence from China's listed business groups

Network centrality and technology acquisitions: Evidence from China's listed business groups

Review of wheel-rail forces measuring technology for railway vehicles

In this paper, the research status of three types of wheel-rail interaction force measuring approaches, that is, IWS, ground measurement method and indirect measurement method, are summarized systematically. According to the measuring locations, the IWS can be determined by measuring the bending strain of the axle, as well as the strain of the wheel web. The measuring principle, bridge assembly method, calibration test and sensing technology of IWS are introduced respectively. This paper introduces the ground measurement method of measuring·wheel-rail force by arranging sensors on the rail and other track components to test their response, and the indirect methods for wheel-rail forces measurement are reviewed, which is derived from inertial force and suspension force of wheelset according to the force states of the wheelset. The advantages and disadvantages of the IWS, the ground measurement method and the indirect measurement method are analyzed. The investigation results show that the measuring principle of the IWS is relatively mature, and its measurement accuracy mainly depends on the manufacturing technology, bench calibration and signal acquisition. Future development of the IWS tend to realize the non-destructive, wireless, continuous and accurate measurement of the wheel-rail forces and contact points locations.