Adoption Of Innovations Research Articles

The influence of innovation, knowledge management, and e-commerce adoption on MSME performance, and its impact on MSMEs sustainability

In the current digital age, financial development has seen substantial shifts, particularly in buying and selling activities that are now facilitated by digital technology or electronic transactions (e-commerce), which offer convenience at relatively low costs. However, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which play a crucial role in the economy, must adapt to these advancements to sustain and grow their businesses. Despite the widespread adoption of e-commerce, many MSMEs have yet to fully capitalize on this technology. Limited knowledge often leads to hesitation in embracing e-commerce opportunities. Consequently, this study seeks to explore how innovation, information management, and e-commerce adoption impact MSME performance and its implications for business sustainability. The research targets MSME owners and managers in the Jabodetabek area (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi) and nearby regions, with a sample of 420 individuals selected through random sampling. Data was collected through an online survey (Google Forms) administered to MSME management. The survey items were tested for validity and reliability, and the data analysis was conducted using various regression analyses with SEM-PLS and Smart-PLS3. The study’s findings highlight the following key points: 1) E-commerce adoption significantly enhances information management, which supports MSME sustainability; 2) E-commerce adoption also improves performance through better information management, further promoting MSME sustainability; 3) While technology is important, e-commerce adoption is the primary factor driving MSME sustainability, with technology serving as a secondary factor.

A Comprehensive Overview on Sustainable Vegetable Gardening: Eco-friendly Approaches to Home Grown Production

Sustainable vegetable gardening is an eco-friendly practice that integrates organic farming principles, resource conservation, and biodiversity promotion to produce nutritious, chemical-free food while minimizing environmental impact. This approach emphasizes soil health through the use of organic amendments, crop rotation, composting, and mulching to improve fertility and water retention. Water conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are employed to optimize water use, especially in arid regions. Pest and disease management relies on integrated pest management (IPM), biological controls, companion planting, and the use of organic pesticides to reduce chemical input while maintaining crop health. Sustainable homegrown produce has been shown to have superior nutritional content compared to commercially grown produce, and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals reduces the risk of pesticide residue exposure. Gardening fosters healthy eating habits by connecting individuals to their food sources, encouraging the consumption of fresh, unprocessed vegetables, and contributing to food security. The mental and physical health benefits of gardening, including reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being, further highlight its holistic value. However, challenges such as the initial setup costs, time investment, pest management, and knowledge gaps can hinder widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges requires greater access to resources, educational initiatives, and the development of climate-resilient practices tailored to specific regions. Future trends in sustainable gardening include the adoption of technological innovations, such as smart irrigation systems, automation, and vertical farming, which offer scalable solutions for urban and small-scale gardeners. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of resilient, local food systems, and sustainable gardening is poised to play a critical role in addressing future food security concerns.

Healthcare innovation adoption in Africa: the case of long-lasting insecticide nets in Ghana using protection motivation theory

Objective Studies have shown that healthcare innovation adoption is complex. Using Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), an innovation for malaria prevention, the study aimed to understand factors considered in the adoption of healthcare innovations in Africa. Methods and Measures Using qualitative methods, we interviewed 10 household heads in Ghana who had freely received LLINs during a malaria campaign. We analyzed our data using a deductive thematic analysis approach utilizing the protection motivation theory (PMT) as our framework. Results We found that the constructs of PMT: perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, perceived response efficacy, and perceived self-efficacy influenced the adoption of healthcare innovation (i.e. LLINs). We also found that misconceptions about malaria infection and prevention influenced the perceived response efficacy of LLINs which could undermine LLINs usage. Conclusion The constructs of PMT are important in the decision to use LLINs. Misconceptions about malaria infection and prevention could undermine the decision to use LLINs. Future studies should investigate ways to address these misconceptions.

Does the European Union Start-Up Aid Help Young Farmers to Innovate and to Join Networks?

The endurance and vitality of European agriculture are threatened by the aging of farmers, together with the lack of generational change. The small share of young farmers also impacts on the innovative capacity and competitiveness of the sector. The Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union started addressing the issue long ago by providing financial aid to help young farmers to start up. Over time, the aid increased and packages of measures were set to reinforce the aid and to promote investments, innovations, and networks at the farm level. While the literature focuses on analyzing the effectiveness of the start-up aid in fostering new entries, this paper assumes an original perspective as it seeks to assess whether this aid has actually promoted innovations and networks in the beneficiary farms. The analysis relies on sample data collected in 2021 in Italy and Poland via interviews of 500 farmers under 40 who had entered the sector both with and without the aid. A probit model estimates whether the beneficiaries have a higher probability to innovate and network. Then, the contribution of the aid to the intensity of the adoption of innovations and networks is estimated via an Average Treatment Effect on the Treated model (ATT). Results suggest that the start-up aid increased the adoption of innovations and networks. The ATT indicates that this positive effect holds even after correcting for self-selection bias. By adopting an original perspective, our analysis suggests that the start-up aid for young farmers goes beyond rejuvenating agriculture by fostering innovation at the farm level and by promoting networking, thus enhancing agricultural change. However, farmer behaviors in the two countries are different, suggesting quite complex patterns for the impact of this measure.

The Metaverse In Tourism

Purpose of the study: This study evaluates the metaverse and the technologies used within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth analysis of the areas in which these technologies are applied in tourism, as well as their contributions to the field. Methodology: To evaluate the role and effects of metaverse technology in the tourism sector, qualitative methods are utilized. A literature review was conducted as a data collection tool, and the information obtained from the literature review was interpreted in accordance with the purpose of the research. Main Findings: The main conclusion of this study is that the effective use of the metaverse in tourism will provide significant benefits for both businesses and tourists. This technology, with its potential to enhance the travel experience, is expected to become increasingly common in the future, offering a promising future for the tourism sector. Applications of the study: The adoption and integration of technological innovations are expected to significantly impact the dynamics of the tourism industry. Studies emphasize that metaverse innovations have not yet reached sufficient mass. However, there are also concerns that, in some cases, the metaverse could hinder the physical travel industry. Tourists experiencing a destination or even an airplane in a virtual environment may reduce their motivation to travel physically. In conclusion, technological innovations such as virtual reality and the metaverse present opportunities and threats for the tourism industry. Novelty/Originality of the study: The research's originality lies in its detailed exploration of the use of metaverse in the tourism sector. In addition, detailed evaluations of the usage areas and contributions of metaverse-related technologies in tourism are included. Therefore, it is thought that this study will not only contribute to the related literature but also guide researchers, sector employees, and other interested parties.

STREAMLINING REGULATORY DOCUMENTATION: EXPLORING THE COMMON TECHNICAL DOCUMENT (CTD) AND ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION, WITH EMPHASIS ON M SERIES ACCORDING TO ICH GUIDELINES

A number of regulatory bodies have worked together to create the Common Technical Document (CTD), including the United States Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, and the Japanese Ministry of Health. This standardized format facilitates the collection and submission of regulatory documentation pertaining to applications for new medicines. Since its inception in 2000, the CTD has been widely adopted internationally, including by nations such as Canada, Australia, and India. The CTD aims to streamline the submission process, reduce duplication of effort, and facilitate regulatory evaluations by providing a uniform structure for technical documentation. This article outlines the guidelines and organization of the CTD, including its modules covering administrative information, quality, non-clinical studies, and clinical trials. The CTD’s significance lies in its ability to improve regulatory efficiency, promote data transparency, and expedite the availability of new medicines to patients. However, challenges persist, such as variations in regional requirements and the need for continued adaptation to evolving technological standards. Electronic submissions and improved information management are two ways in which the new electronic CTD (eCTD) has improved submission procedures. Despite some ongoing issues, the CTD and eCTD represent significant advancements in regulatory documentation, with the potential for further innovation and global adoption in the future.

Ransomware Reloaded: Re-examining Its Trend, Research and Mitigation in the Era of Data Exfiltration

Ransomware has grown to be a dominant cybersecurity threat by exfiltrating, encrypting, or destroying valuable user data and causing numerous disruptions to victims. The severity of the ransomware endemic has generated research interest from both the academia and the industry. However, many studies held stereotypical assumptions about ransomware, used unverified, outdated, and limited self-collected ransomware samples, and did not consider government strategies, industry guidelines, or cyber intelligence. We observed that ransomware no longer exists simply as an executable file or limits to encrypting files (data loss); data exfiltration (data breach) is the new norm, espionage is an emerging theme, and the industry is shifting focus from technical advancements to cyber governance and resilience. We created a ransomware innovation adoption curve, critically evaluated 212 academic studies published during 2020 and 2023, and cross-verified them against various government strategies, industry reports, and cyber intelligence on ransomware. We concluded that many studies were becoming irrelevant to the contemporary ransomware reality and called for the redirection of ransomware research to align with the continuous ransomware evolution in the industry. We proposed to address data exfiltration as priority over data encryption, to consider ransomware in a business-practical manner, and recommended research collaboration with the industry.

An agent‐based model to simulate the public acceptability of social innovations

AbstractThe successful adoption of social innovations, such as renewable energy systems or pollution reduction plans in cities, depends, to a large extent, on the willingness and participation of the population in their development and implementation. We present an agent‐based model (ABM) to analyze the process of citizen acceptability of a social innovation that uses a variety of agents to represent individual citizens and relevant groups of citizens. Citizen agents make use of the HUMAT cognitive decision‐making model, based on psychosocial theories, to decide on their support for the social innovation considering how their needs will be satisfied if they decide to support (or not) the innovation project, and the influence exerted by the agents in their environment. The ABM was initially developed to represent the urban and transport planning superblock project in the city of Vitoria‐Gasteiz (Spain). The ABM simulations make it possible to study the evolution of public acceptance of social innovation, with the results providing insights to the social dynamics and individual factors that affect the acceptance of the project, enabling an evaluation of how to devise new policies that increase public acceptance. Sufficiently generic to be easily adaptable to different types of social innovations, the ABM is a powerful tool to explore different scenarios and design strategies that foster the acceptance and sustainable adoption of social innovations.

Performance of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Insights from Social Media Usage in Juba City, South Sudan

Small and Medium Enterprises are the main forces behind economic growth, social progress, and job creation in South Sudan. Business and customers benefit from using social platform on increasing their daily business operations. However, enterprises in South Sudan are performing poorly since there was a reduction in businesses output from 58% in 2017 to 30% in 2021. Thus, the study looked into how social media usage affected the performance of small and medium-sized businesses in Juba City, South Sudan. The specific objectives were to assess how small and medium-sized firms' performance was affected by their use of social media for marketing, customer relations, social media interactions, and information search. The study also examined the moderating effect of government regulations on the relationship between social media usage and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises. The study was anchored on Resource- Based View, media richness theory and regulatory capture theory. The study employed an explanatory research design and target population was 252 small and medium-sized enterprises in Juba City; 154 firms were selected using simple random sampling. Structured questionnaire was employed to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that the performance was positively and significantly affected by the use of social media for information search, social media interactions, social media usage and customer relations, and social media marketing. The study also established that social media usage and firm performance were affected by government regulations. The study concluded that social media usage contributes significantly to enhanced performance of small and medium enterprises. The researcher recommends that small and medium enterprises management should ensure they integrate the social media applications in their management systems. The researcher also recommends that in order to improve their performance on social media, small and medium enterprises identify their areas of strength and weakness. The management should employ modem technology in order to gain from data transfer, emailing, and texting while implementing a social media workforce. The government of South Sudan should ensure that suitable information technology training is offered to small and medium enterprises’ owners for the adoption of social media and other technological innovations.

Quantifying Community Interest: A Study on the Role of Audience Metrics in Hyperlocal Journalism

ABSTRACT This study examines how editors in Dutch hyperlocal newspapers use technologies for audience metrics in the news production process. As news organizations, especially small-scaled, low-budget ones, strive to engage and retain their readership, metrics analysis provides invaluable insights into audience preferences and behaviors. However, the use and misuse of audience metrics also risk increasing the dependency of small-budget newsrooms on media platforms and metrics technologies. Drawing from thirteen semi-structured interviews with ten editors and three managers from local news media conglomerates in South Holland, our findings reveal that editors and managers rely heavily on metrics such as clicks, views, and best-read stories to inform agenda-setting decisions. This reliance is further entrenched as these metrics are embedded in all-in-one editing suites, making them a constant presence and difficult to escape in the daily news production workflow. While editors in hyperlocal newsrooms display a generally positive attitude toward innovation and metrics adoption, they also demonstrate awareness of the risk of prioritizing “scoring” over “informing.” Although this article enhances our understanding of innovation in hyperlocal newsrooms and underscores the importance of audience metrics in shaping editorial choices, it also highlights the dependent position that small-scaled local newsrooms find themselves in.

The impact of ethical commitments on the intention to adopt digital agricultural technologies

Sustainable food security is a critical global concern and an urgent priority in developing countries such as Iran. Digital agricultural technologies (DAT) represent significant solutions in this regard, yet their adoptions and development in Iran face limitations. Theoretical studies have underscored the importance of ethical commitments in the adoption process. This study aims to investigate whether ethical commitments regarding food security can influence the intention to adopt digital technologies by farmers. The study employed the Norm Activation Model and integrated two additional components, namely perceived risk and social capital. We applied this framework to examine research works on farmers of Kermanshah Province in the west of Iran, using survey data (sample n = 384). Data analyses were done through structural equation modeling (SEM). Based on the results, the developed Norm Activation Model can be used to predict the adoption intention of DAT by farmers; with the model explaining 65% of total variance. Feeling guilt exhibited the highest direct effect, followed by feeling proud. Furthermore, ethical norms had a direct and indirect impact on intention through the mediating variables of feeling proud and Feeling guilt. The findings of this study contribute to facilitating innovation adoption strategies. It is recommended that, in order to facilitate and stabilize farmers' adoption of innovation, their sense of guilt should first be aroused. After stimulating the farmers' sense of pride toward the adoption; emphasis should be placed on ethical commitments. Ultimately, the introduction of technology and the facilitation of infrastructure should be pursued.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of E-HRM Practices in Public Service Organizations in Tanzania: A Case Study of the Tanzania Judicial Service Commission Headquarters

The scanty understanding on the factors affecting the adoption of e-HRM practices among public service organizations in Tanzania posed a rationale of undertaking this study. The study took place at the Judicial Service Commission of Tanzania. This study sought to address three specific objectives; to assess HRM practices which are under e-HRM, factors influencing the adoption of e-HRM practices and challenges facing the adoption of e-HRM practices in the study area. This study was guided by innovation adoption theory. The study used descriptive case-study research design with a mix of qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Simple random sampling was used to sample 77 respondents out of 96 employees who constitute the target population from the study area. Data collection was done through interview and questionnaire methods where contents analysis and descriptive statistics analysis were used in data analysis. The study findings revealed seven HRM practices in the study area are under e-HRM namely planning, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, compensation, health related, safety and labour relations practices. The study findings further revealed social, economic and institutional factors as the major factors influencing the adoption of e-HRM practices in the study area. This study concluded inadequate ICT skills among employees, competent ICT experts, financial resources, e-HRM practices awareness, capacity building programs, supportive laws and policies as the major challenges facing the adoption of e-HRM practices. The study further concludes the e-HRM having strong contribution to the entire organizational performance. In the view of the revealed study findings, the study hereby recommends to the public service organizations to conduct routine capacity building programs for creating awareness and strengthening the adoption of e-HRM practices in the organizational undertakings.

Indirect social influence and diffusion of innovations: An experimental approach.

A fundamental feature for understanding the diffusion of innovations through a social group is the manner in which we are influenced by our own social interactions. It is usually assumed that only direct interactions, those that form our social network, determine the dynamics of adopting innovations. Here, we test this assumption by experimentally and theoretically studying the role of direct and indirect influences in the adoption of innovations. We perform experiments specifically designed to capture the influence that an individual receives from their direct social ties as well as from those socially close to them, as a function of the separation they have in their social network. The results of 21 experimental sessions with more than 590 participants show that the rate of adoption of an innovation is significantly influenced not only by our nearest neighbors but also by the second and third levels of influences an adopter has. Using a mathematical model that accounts for both direct and indirect interactions in a network, we fit the experimental results and determine the way in which influences decay with social distance. The results indicate that the strength of peer pressure on an adopter coming from its second and third circles of influence is approximately two-third and one-third, respectively, relative to their closest neighbors. Our results strongly suggest that the adoption of an innovation is a complex process in which an individual feels significant pressure not only from their direct ties but also by those socially close to them.

A Joanna Briggs Institute Framework Approach to Shared Decision Making in End-of-Life.

To implement shared decision-making (SDM) through a patient decision aid (PtDA) for the initiation of palliative care (PC) in end-of-life (EOL) cancer patients. A comprehensive Scoping Review was conducted on SDM in PubMed, CINAHL and PsycInfo. An evidence-based implementation of PtDAs was created using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, which followed rigorous pillars: (1) context, (2) facilitation and (3) evaluation. Fifteen studies were identified and categorised into (1) Implementation characteristics and (2) Strategies for implementing SDM in terminally ill cancer patients. SDM should consider the decision-making location, optimal timing, participants and decision type. Strategies include professional training, PtDAs and implementation programmes. A PtDA implementation protocol in video format for deciding to initiate PC is proposed, following International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG). SDM implementation should be guided by evidence-based methodological models justifying and structuring its execution, especially in complex and interdisciplinary contexts. National or international frameworks facilitate the adoption of health innovations, such as PtDAs, benefiting patients and improving their usage. SDM is not just a concept but an important approach to the Care of cancer patients at EOL, enhancing patient satisfaction and improving care quality. The success and sustainability of SDM hinge on the fundamental aspects of staff training, interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing evaluation. The lack of specific aid in Spanish underscores the immediate need for local development. Further research is needed in this area, as most reviewed studies did not measure SDM effectiveness in diverse hospital settings. This proposal was developed based on the experience and input of the nursing staff from the healthcare service where it is intended to be implemented.

Mobile Payment Fintech Service Adoption and Security Concerns

In India, the adoption of financial technology (Fintech) or financial technology innovation (FTI) has expanded due to the development of mobile devices and their use. The need for mobile Fintech payment systems that facilitate online and offline transactions has increased, especially during and after COVID times. However, mobile payment services are still used in limited areas due to concerns over the security of mobile applications for customers and Fintech companies alike. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the findings of this paper support the notion that usefulness, ease, user design, information security, and trust impact of mobile payment concerns and adoption factors in the Fintech environment are important variables.

Technical Progress And Technological Dependence In Developing Economies

This study aims to analyse the concept of endogenous technical progress and its implications for the development of emerging markets. The discussion focuses on the ability of developing countries to assimilate and adapt external technologies and the importance of building internal research and development capacities. The analysis examines the challenges these countries face in achieving sustainable technological autonomy and the impact of multinational companies on the technological evolution of local industries. The role of state intervention is explored as a crucial factor in overcoming the limitations imposed by international competition and fostering an environment conducive to technological innovation. The study highlights the need for integrated strategies, combining the adoption of external innovations with efforts to strengthen domestic technological capabilities, aiming for independent and sustainable economic growth.

Why Do Farmers Disadopt Successful Innovations? Socio-Ecological Niches and Rice Intensification

The adoption of innovations in rice cultivation is presumed to operate in a rational manner, wherein new technologies or practices that successfully increase productivity or resource efficiency are adopted by target farmers based on cost-benefit calculations. In contrast, this paper examines a case of a public initiative to promote the system of rice intensification (SRI), wherein farmers widely disadopted the technique despite reporting increasing yields and reduced water consumption. To explain this paradox, we use the concept of the socio-ecological niche to examine a range of social and institutional factors that shape farmers’ decision-making. These included (1) access to land and labour; (2) water management capacity; (3) the quality of networks for knowledge sharing. The research suggests that small variations in these categories among otherwise similar smallholder households can markedly shape farmers’ risk perceptions and tangible outcomes with SRI. The implication is that agricultural innovations should be judged within their wider social context rather than on narrow evaluations of agronomic efficiency. Importantly, this must involve greater feedback mechanisms from smallholders with a variety of socio-economic profiles to help shape the character of agricultural innovations and extension strategies.

Investigating the impact of the internet on managing green financial innovation and improving agricultural conditions in water-scarce Asian regions using ANN modeling

This research focuses on the importance of management strategies, green innovation, and sustainable practices in the agricultural sector. These factors are crucial for job creation, food security, and environmental conservation. Particularly in water-scarce regions, effective management is necessary to overcome natural resource constraints and encourage a shift towards digital agriculture (AGRI). The study aims to identify and analyze the challenges and issues related to agricultural research and technology in Asian countries. The collected data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis in the SPSS software. The analysis revealed a range of issues and challenges for agricultural development, including those related to the structure and policy framework, the availability and quality of resources and infrastructures, and the provision of effective support services, all of which encompassed factors such as research and technology investment, research management, productivity, research culture, networking, and the integration of higher education and agricultural research. To estimate the efficiency of technology development, agricultural development, and support services for AGRI, an artificial neural network (ANN) was utilized. The ANN was trained by incorporating changes in management strategies, green innovation, and sustainability across a broader range of experimental scenarios. The evaluation of the ANN's predictions showed that improvements in management strategies and the adoption of green innovation and sustainability significantly impacted the productivity of technology development, agricultural development, and support services for AGRI. The accuracy of the ANN's predictions was further assessed using linear regression. The results indicated an acceptable level of error when compared to the target results obtained from experimental tests. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of effective management, green innovation, and sustainable practices in driving advancements in technology and agricultural development.

Structural Changes in Haryana Agriculture

The present investigation was carried out for Haryana state for the period 1970-2021. Economic growth has been defined as a structural transformation process in which the contribution of industry and services sectors increased and agriculture's relative proportion of national production decreased. Statistical averages, percentages and CAGRs, were computed. Sectoral labor shares, capital formation, and sectoral output composition are the chosen metrics to evaluate structural change in the state. Agricultural performance was evaluated using key indicators of development, such as crop yields, cropping intensity, irrigation intensity, tractor density, and fertilizer consumption. Although Haryana is primarily an agricultural state, it has also seen significant growth in the industrial and service sectors. The main conclusions indicate that Haryana's structural changes align with those of India's national economy. However, the agricultural sector requires greater focus from policymakers to encourage the adoption of new farming innovations.

Understanding communication and stakeholder learning process affecting sustainability in multi-stakeholder platforms: The case of a Learning Alliance in Vietnam

A Learning Alliance (LA) is a multi-stakeholder approach widely used by research organizations to provide a platform for technology or innovation adoption. It heavily relies on communication among varied and interacting stakeholders with shared interests. Thus, it is important to understand how these interactions play a role in forming and sustaining the network. Using the case of a LA in Can Tho province, Vietnam, we analyzed the communication processes generated in the interactions through document analysis of project materials, focus group discussions, key informant interviews with the LA facilitators, and observation notes from eight LA events. Findings reveal that communication underlies network development and maintenance. It facilitated the alignment of stakeholders’ interest and reorganization of roles, particularly when stakeholders played an intermediary role in facilitating the LA. The network also explored inclusive strategies to upgrade the rice value chain. However, challenges arose due to communication breakdown related to the strategic positioning of the LA in the broader innovation system. Furthermore, with the network's reliance on the lifespan of bilateral projects led by research institutions, hindered its long-term success. While LA foster negotiated change and inclusivity, more reflections are needed on mechanisms for local uptake, deliberate planning, and enhancement of communication roles to support the learning processes of a LA so that the network can be intentional in pursuing desired change addressing emergent challenges.