Technological Change Research Articles

Old by obsolescence: The paradox of aging in the digital era.

Geroscience and philosophy of aging have tended to focus their analyses on the biological and chronological dimensions of aging. Namely, one ages with the passage of time and by experiencing the cellular-molecular deterioration that accompanies this process. However, our concept of aging depends decisively on the social valuations held about it. In this article, we will argue that, if we study social aging in the contemporary world, a novel phenomenon can be identified: the paradox of aging in the digital era. If the social understanding of aging today is linked to unproductivity and obsolescence; then there is a possibility that, given the pace of change of digital technologies, we become obsolete at an early chronological and biological age, andtherefore, feel old at a younger age. First, we will present the social dimension of aging based on Rowe and Kahn's model of successful aging. We will also show that their notion of social aging hardly considers structural aspects and weakens their approach. Second, departing from social aging in its structural sense, we will develop the paradox of aging in the digital era. On the one hand, we will explain how the institutionalization of aging has occurred in modern societies and how it is anchored in the concepts of obsolescence and productivity. On the other hand, we will state the kind of obsolescence that digitalization produces and argue that it can make cohorts of biologically and chronologically young individuals obsolete, and thus they would be personally and socially perceived as old.

Spatial externalities, R&D spillovers, and endogenous technological change

Forward-looking economic agents operating in a finite continuous geographic area choose how much to innovate at each point in time and space. Based on this assumption, the present study incorporates spatial interactions in endogenous growth models, addressing the criticism that such models are inconsistent with empirical evidence. More specifically, we introduce spatial production spillovers, knowledge diffusion across space, and the capability for spatial heterogeneity into a standard expanding variety growth model based on R&D. We study the properties of equilibrium and optimal allocations and argue that the characteristics are different from those of the non-spatial model, which alter the appropriate policy measures. Finally, we provide numerical examples demonstrating the importance of spatial dependent policy measures in achieving a balanced regional development.

Implementing agile management practices in the era of digital transformation

In the era of digital transformation, organizations face unprecedented technological changes that demand a shift toward more adaptive and responsive management practices. This paper Analyses how organizations can strategically implement agile management practices to navigate these rapid changes effectively. Agile management emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to market dynamics and evolving customer needs. By adopting frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, companies can enhance their management processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The paper explores the fundamental principles of agile management and their relevance in the context of digital transformation. It discusses how cross-functional teams, iterative development, and regular feedback loops can facilitate quicker decision-making and enhance collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, the integration of digital tools, such as project management software and communication platforms, supports agile methodologies by streamlining workflows and improving transparency. Key considerations for successful implementation include aligning agile practices with organizational goals, investing in employee training, and promoting a mindset that embraces change. The paper highlights real-world case studies demonstrating the successful application of agile management in various industries, showcasing its potential to improve responsiveness and operational efficiency. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the critical role of agile management practices in enabling organizations to thrive amidst the challenges of digital transformation

Intellectual Property Risks and Countermeasures in Cross-Border E-Commerce

Cross-border e-commerce has experienced rapid development driven by globalization trends, emerging as a significant force propelling international trade and economic growth. However, with the intensification of legal, cultural differences, and technological changes across nations, intellectual property issues in the cross-border e-commerce sector have become increasingly prominent. Intellectual property serves as the core of business innovation and market competition; any infringement thereof can lead to substantial financial losses for enterprises and erode market trust and brand reputation. Cross-border e-commerce enterprises face multifaceted intellectual property risks, including infringement, brand theft, and data leakage, particularly within differing legal systems, complicating these issues further. The protection of intellectual property is not only crucial for safeguarding corporate interests but also a necessary prerequisite for ensuring the healthy development of the global market. In response, cross-border e-commerce enterprises must adopt proactive measures, ranging from institutional construction to enhancing user awareness, to comprehensively address intellectual property risks and ensure their competitiveness and sustainable development in the international market.

Flatbreads in Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur Groups and its Role in Sustainable Food System

Abstract Background Flatbreads are various types of comparably thin bread and are widespread in a large region. People embed flatbreads with special cultural meanings and adapted local ingredients for baking flatbreads. More attention has been focused on flatbreads in recent years. However, how the cross-border Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur groups use flatbreads is understudied. Methods To understand how the cross-border Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur groups use flatbreads, the current paper reviews existing English, Mandarin, and some Russian literature to summarize how the Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur groups use flatbreads. Results The results show that these three ethnic groups prepare and use flatbreads in multiple aspects. The Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur people use 23, 9, and 17 types of flatbreads respectively. The flatbreads used by the Kazakh and Kyrgyz people have more overlapping than those of the Uighur people while the relevant studies of Kyrgyz people are more understudied. This resemblance may be because of the closer nomadic lifestyle and the similar influences of Russia and the USSR. The ingredients of flatbreads are aligned with the local ecosystems and have been evolving consistently in the past centuries because of the changes in technology, politics, lifestyles, health perceptions, acculturation, and globalization. Conclusions Because of the eco-friendly features of flatbreads and the widespread use of these foods, flatbreads have a high potential to support a regional strategy for sustainable food system transformation and planetary health along the Silk Road countries. To achieve this goal, more studies should be conducted to contribute missing information about ingredients, cooking methods, features, and regional differences in using flatbreads; more nutritious and bio-diverse recipes of flatbreads and the most eco-friendly cooking energy resources for baking flatbread should be identified; new meanings should be given to flatbreads to promote the use. Key messages • The first study to summarize how Kazakh, Uighur, and Kyrgyz peoples use flatbread. • Justify a potential to use flatbread for sustainable food system transformation.

The Use of the Data Envelopment Analysis–Malmquist Approach to Measure the Performance of Digital Transformation in EU Countries

Currently, the process of the digital transformation of EU countries is very important and often discussed. It will not only bring new opportunities for companies and the broader population but will also enable the transition to a more ecological economy. An important goal is to speed up the digitalization processes taking place in companies. It is very important to use already established digitalization elements more efficiently. This also resulted in the motivation for the given research. The aim of this paper is to quantify the change in the efficiency of the digital transformation of EU countries. As part of this research, the Variable Returns to Scale Data Envelopment Analysis (VRS DEA) model and the Malmquist index (MI) based on the DEA approach were applied. The results of the model made it possible to assess how the changes in technical efficiency and technological changes contributed to the changes in efficiency. The long-term theoretical added value of this paper lies in its proposal for countries and their governments to monitor not only the number of introduced digital elements, but also the efficiency of their use relative to some aggregate output; for example, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or unemployment rate. The added value of this research is that less developed countries use digitalization elements more effectively than developed countries.

Reconceptualizing Constitutionalism in the AI Run Algorithmic Society

Abstract This Article is dedicated to what is arguably one of the most significant tests to which constitutionalism has been subject to in recent times. It examines the theoretical and practical challenges to constitutionalism arising from the profound technological changes under the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our emerging algorithmic society. The unprecedented rapid development of AI technology has not only rendered conventional theories of modern constitutionalism obsolete, but it has also created an epistemic gap in constitutional theory. As a result, there is a clear need for a new, compelling constitutional theory that adequately accounts for the scale of technological change by accurately capturing it, engaging with it, and ultimately, responding to it in a conceptually and normatively convincing way.

Digital health and some thematic shifts in bioethics in academic publications after the pandemic

Abstract Background Digital health (DH) presents vast opportunities, but also dynamic shift in viewpoints, which is reflected in academic works. Since DH concerns patient data, a major issue is complying with the bioethical principles, and ensuring patients’ privacy and security. The aim of this research is to explore avenues, in which ethics and privacy are reflected in DH, especially in terms of research, legislation, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain applications in medicine and public health. Methods Literature search for full text publications in PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect focused on ethics and privacy in DH in the period 2019-2023 found 325 articles in English authored by academicians. Six thematic categories were identified: ethics (fundamental principles; ethics in using novel DH tools); privacy (in use of apps/wearables; as a challenge/barrier to DH interventions/technologies); ethics/privacy in: DH research (data gathering, use, sharing); policy and legislation (for DH applications); AI and blockchains (in medicine and public health). Results Articles were from 32 countries: USA-24.3%; UK-13.5%; Germany-7.7%; Canada-7.4%; Australia-6.7%; Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland-4.7% each; China, India-3.0% each and 20.3% from 22 other countries; 86.5% in medical/DH journals. Only 10.2% were published in 2019; 17.8% - 2020; 19.4% - 2021; 27.1% - 2022 and 25.5% - 2023. Privacy was discussed in 26.5%; ethics-23.7%; research-19.4%; AI-15.1%; policy and legislation-9.5% and blockchains-5.5% of the articles. The publication activity of all six categories increased after the unfold of the pandemic in 2020. In 2023 publications for ethics (13%), privacy (5.8%) and research (6.3%) decreased; for legislation (12.9%), AI (14.3%) and blockchains in healthcare (16.8%) increased. Conclusions The pandemic and its aftermath present a change in academic interest. Traditional ethical fundaments in DH slightly lose position in favor of top notch technologies and apt legislation. Key messages • The pandemic and modern technologies enforced new digital health applications. Further research will reveal the needs of AI and blockchain applications respecting privacy and the ethical principles. • Besides existing legislation and regulations, in order to catch up with the dynamic developments in DH, the legal base needs to become more flexible. Technologies change, privacy importance does not.

A comprehensive analysis of India’s electric vehicle battery supply chain: barriers and solutions

This study investigates challenges and solutions for India’s battery supply chain in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Key obstacles include raw material dependency, supply chain complexity, production costs, environmental impacts, rapid technological changes, and skilled workforce shortages. Methods involve reviewing current supply chains, evaluating government policies like the FAME and PLI schemes, and analyzing strategic partnerships with countries rich in lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Results show heavy reliance on imports exposes India to geopolitical risks and price volatility, while a fragmented supply chain hinders coordination and quality control. Establishing gigafactories is crucial but requires substantial investment. The study recommends enhancing domestic production, securing raw materials through exploration and international partnerships, investing in R&D for advanced technologies and alternative chemistries, and developing a skilled workforce through specialized training. Implementing these strategies will ensure a robust and sustainable battery supply chain, supporting EV market growth and positioning India as a leader in electric mobility. Further research should focus on long-term environmental impacts and the economic implications of a localized supply chain.

Does perceived usability of a multi-component mobile device intervention improve health-related quality of life?

Abstract Background Good health-related quality of life (HRQL) is essential to healthy aging. Prior studies have demonstrated that mobile device technologies can promote HRQL in older adults. However, evidence of technology acceptance in older adults is often inconsistent and poorly understood. Purpose This study aims to 1) describe technology acceptance using efficiency, learnability, user experience (i.e., acceptability), and perceived control from the USABILITY survey of a multi-component mobile device intervention consisting of a wearable activity tracker (Fitbit Versa), access to Lose It app, and text messages (for experimental group only) in older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease, and 2) examine the correlation between technology acceptance and changes in HRQL before and after using each component of the digital intervention. Methods Data were collected using a purpose-built technology usability survey, and HRQL was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which measured perceived physical and mental health. Correlations were used to identify associations between technology acceptance and HRQL. Results The mean age of participants (n=54) was 65.4 ± 6.0 years; a majority were females (60%), married (53%), Hispanic (66%), and had a high school education or higher (76%). Table 1 shows that the experimental group had considerably higher HRQL at three months, but no differences in technology acceptance were noted. Fitbit technology adoption was found to be correlated with physical HRQL (r=304, p=0.027). The Lose It app showed no correlation with HRQL. Despite receiving higher usability ratings, SMS messages were not correlated with physical or mental HRQL. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that older persons at risk for cardiovascular disease find mobile device intervention components acceptable. However, each component affected physical and mental health differently. These findings inform more complete technology acceptance models for older individuals' technology design, education, and deployment. Older persons prefer personalized communication, such as customized text messages, as the most favored aspect of the multi-component mobile device intervention. It warrants a larger clinical trial to determine its efficacy on HRQL.

Sustainability in the Next Generation Hospital. Needs and Requirements collection from healthcare infrastructures supply chain stakeholders with One Health approach

Abstract Technological, demographic, epidemiological, environmental and social changes require investment in new sustainable hospital infrastructure; there is a lack of guidelines and interaction between Stakeholders. In February 2022, the Joint Research Platform Healthcare Infrastructures (JRP HI) was established consisting of Hospital Strategic Directions and Industrial Partners in Italy. Starting from the WHO Techincal Brief “Hospitals of the Future”, a national survey was carried out via web-survey and semi-structured interviews with a sample of 30 stakeholders to collect the main drivers and constraints for innovation and the framework from a One Health perspective and in terms of sustainability. The main needs to be addressed through the guidelines refer to digitalization (27%), flexibility (32%), environmental sustainability (36%) and economic sustainability (27%) as well as flow management (18%) and hospital infection (14%). The participants consider SDG-3 ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’ to be the most relevant for development activities. Hospital managers prioritize SDG-8 ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ (23%); vice-versa the industrial partners suggest SDG-11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ and SDG- 13 ‘Climate Actions’ (32%) as topics to be addressed. Furthermore, 57% of the respondents state that they lack adequate training, budget or leadership to apply innovative strategies in the day-to-day management of the healthcare organization. The survey highlighted a lack of initiatives, budget, and standardization for enhancing environmental sustainability in healthcare infrastructures. The sustainability of building systems depends on factors such as energy consumption, alternative energy sources, thermal comfort, water usage, waste management, ventilation, lighting efficiency, air quality, and construction materials. Ensuring the adoption of monitoring systems and harmonized standards of performance measurement is crucial for increasing the environmental sustainability.

Talent Management in the Era of Digital Transformation: Challenges and Prospects

This article explores the intricate landscape of talent management in the context of digital transformation, highlighting the associated challenges and prospects that organizations face. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study employs a comprehensive literature review and library research to synthesize existing knowledge on the evolving role of talent management in a rapidly changing digital environment. The findings reveal that digital transformation significantly impacts recruitment, retention, and development strategies, necessitating a shift in traditional talent management practices. Organizations must adapt to technological advancements and changing workforce expectations, embracing new tools and methodologies to effectively engage and develop talent. Key challenges identified include the skills gap, resistance to change, and the need for continuous learning and development. Conversely, the prospects for enhancing employee engagement and fostering innovation through strategic talent management practices are promising. The study concludes that organizations must adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to talent management, ensuring alignment with digital transformation initiatives to achieve sustained competitive advantage. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on talent management by providing valuable insights into the interplay between digital transformation and effective talent strategies, offering practical recommendations for practitioners and scholars alike.

Users' Awareness of Cyber Security Practices for Preventing Data Attacks in Public Organisations

This study assessed users' awareness of cyber security practices for preventing data attacks. The study employed a descriptive research design and quantitative research approach. A random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 65 respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to analyse data. The validity and reliability of data collection tools were ensured. Findings revealed that the user's awareness of cyber security practices on prevention of data attacks was high in the selected case for study, which remains anonymous. The study recommends that due to the rapid changing of technology, the organisation should prevent risks from various sources, including internet-borne attacks, such as spyware or malware, user-generated weaknesses, such as easily guessed passwords or misplaced information, inherent system or software flaws and vulnerabilities and subvert system or software features.

Design and Stability Analysis of Six-Degree-of-Freedom Hydro-Pneumatic Spring Wheel-Leg

Traditional hydro-pneumatic spring suspensions are limited to a single vertical degree of freedom, which cannot accommodate the significant technological changes introduced by the new in-wheel motor drive mode. Integrating the motor into the vehicle’s hub creates a direct motor drive mode, replacing the traditional engine–transmission–drive shaft configuration. Together with the dual in-wheel motor wheelset structure, this setup can achieve both drive and differential steering functions. In this study, we designed a six-arm suspension wheel-leg device based on hydro-pneumatic springs, and its structural composition and functional characteristics are presented herein. The external single-chamber hydro-pneumatic springs used in the six-arm structure suspension were analyzed and mathematically modeled, and the nonlinear characteristic curves of the springs were derived. To overcome the instability caused by inconsistent extension lengths of the hydro-pneumatic springs during horizontal steering, the spring correction force, horizontal rotational torque, consistency, and stiffness of the six-degree-of-freedom hydro-pneumatic spring wheel-leg device were analyzed. Finally, with the auxiliary action of tension springs, the rotational torque of the hydro-pneumatic springs and the tension resistance torque of the tension spring counterbalanced each other, keeping the resultant torque on the wheelset at approximately 0 N∙m. The results suggest that the proposed device has excellent self-stabilizing performance and meets the requirements for straight-line driving and differential steering applications. This device provides a new approach for the drive mode and suspension design of the dual in-wheel motor wheelset.

A Financial Analysis and Valuation of Apple, Inc.

Abstract: This paper will take an in-depth look at Apple's financial performance and provide a detailed comparative analysis with its main competitors. Apple, as the world's leading technology giant, has always been known for its innovative products and strong market influence. However, in an increasingly competitive tech industry, continued financial health is key to its success. This paper first compares the performance of Apple and its competitors in key financial indicators such as liquidity, debt repayment ability and profitability. This comparison not only reveals Apple's financial position in the industry, but also helps us understand its robustness in responding to market movements. Next, this paper analyzes Apple's financial report of the latest year in detail, and deeply discusses the change trend of its revenue, expenditure, profit and other key financial data. This analysis is able to capture Apple's financial performance and strategy in the face of global economic fluctuations and changes in market demand. Finally, this paper will discuss Apple's business strategy and the business risks it faces. This includes its product innovation strategy, market expansion plans and potential risks due to factors such as technological change, market competition and global policy changes. Through a comprehensive analysis of Apple's business model and go-to-market strategy, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on how Apple can maintain its leadership position in a dynamic market.

The Relationship Between Production Efficiency and Factor Allocation Efficiency: A Case Study Based on Thermal Power in China

This paper introduces a novel decomposition method for analyzing production efficiency based on the Data Envelopment Analysis framework, addressing the limitations of traditional approaches that often fail to isolate the contributions of individual factors. The proposed method disaggregates production efficiency into capacity utilization, labor utilization efficiency, energy utilization efficiency, and technological change, providing a more granular view of how different factors contribute to overall efficiency. By incorporating both contemporaneous and intertemporal perspectives, this approach enables a comprehensive understanding of efficiency dynamics and factor interactions over time. To demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed method, we apply it to the thermal power industry using data from 30 Chinese provinces covering the period from 2011 to 2021. The empirical results validate the effectiveness of the decomposition framework, revealing distinct regional disparities in efficiency and providing insights for targeted resource optimization strategies. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations to enhance capacity utilization, improve energy efficiency, and support sustainable development within the thermal power sector. This research contributes a powerful analytical tool for disaggregating production efficiency and offers a theoretical foundation for future studies seeking to understand the nuanced relationships between comprehensive production efficiency and single-factor efficiencies, thereby supporting better policy and management decisions in complex production systems.

The Impact and Challenges of Digital Transformation on Supply Chain Resilience in Physical Enterprises

Abstract: In the digital era, supply chain resilience (SCR) has become a key pillar of the real economy. Enterprises face various challenges, including cybersecurity threats, market volatility, technological change and changing global conditions. A strong SCR not only ensures continued business operations but also maintains market stability and consumer well-being. Digital transformation helps businesses anticipate market changes, optimize inventory management, improve operational efficiency, and assist in management decisions when necessary by providing unprecedented data transparency and real-time insights. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of digital transformation in the supply chains of physical firms globally through a literature review, to identify the factors influencing the resilience of digital transformation in the supply chains of physical firms, and to discover the barriers to digital transformation in the supply chains of physical firms. The study finds that the digital transformation of physical firms' supply chains is still in its infancy, and there are barriers at both managerial and physical levels. Solutions to address these barriers include enhancing employee training, correctly introducing appropriate digital technologies, and improving information security.

Models of Teaching, Magazines and Music Machines: Alternative approaches to electronic music education in Melbourne

This article presents a history of alternative electronic music education in Melbourne, Australia. It documents early examples of experimentation with non-traditional classes and programmes in tertiary institutions and subsequently the emergence, over several decades, of alternative teaching and learning in community centres, nightclubs, retail stores, message boards and magazines. The article uses Scheffler’s Models of Teaching to provide a framework to document the differing pedagogical approaches, and draws upon archival material, interviews, essays and first-hand experiences to explain how Melbourne’s rich history has informed and influenced today’s learning practices. It posits that the adaptable, dynamic and flexible practices found in Melbourne’s electronic music education were the result of influences from key educators, the needs of the communities that enabled them and the adaptation to cultural and technological changes.

Bernard Stigler's Theory of Media Technology and Impact on Communication Studies

Abstract: In todays digital era, media technology is critical in shaping modern society. Accompanied by the rapid development of digital technology, the functions and roles of the media have undergone tremendous changes, and the speed, quality, and ways in which people access information have undergone unprecedented changes. Advances in media technology have reshaped how people interact with the outside world and profoundly impacted culture, cognition, and identity. Bernard Stiegle's media technology theory provides a theoretical framework for re-examining the relationship between humans and technology from a technological perspective. Stiegle argues that technology is both a tool for human development and the second origin of human beings. By proposing the theory of 'tertiary retention,' the crucial role of technology in the externalization of memory is revealed. Technology acts as both an antidote and a poison, facilitating the progress of human society and posing significant risks. In the digital age, changes in media technology have brought about problems such as cultural homogenization, identity crisis, and systemic ignorance and even led to the proletarianization of social consciousness. Stiegler's theory criticizes the logic of capitalism behind digital technology and argues that human beings must re-examine their relationship with technology to avoid falling into a technologically dominated cultural dilemma.

The carbon emission reduction benefits of the transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land in China

The transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land has an important impact on agricultural carbon emissions (ACE). However, the existing research on the impact mechanisms of the transformation of intensive use of cultivated land on carbon emissions is not clear. In view of this, this study constructs the impact mechanism of the transformation of intensive use of cultivated land on carbon emissions from the perspective of production factors substitution based on the theory of induced technological change and the theory of marginal returns. Using the Cobb-Douglas production function, this study identifies the transformation patterns of intensive use of cultivated land in China from 1980 to 2021. Furthermore, this study simulates the carbon emission reduction benefits brought about by the transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land by considering the cost of agricultural production. The results show that, first, from 1980 to 2021, the price of agricultural labor increased by 224.10%, while the price of other agricultural production factors significantly decreased. China’s intensive use of cultivated land methods has undergone four stages: agricultural labor–intensive (ALI), yield–enhancing factor–intensive (YEFI), labor–saving factor–intensive (LSFI), and innovation factor–intensive (IFI). In 2021, most of China’s provinces were in the YEFI or ALI stages. Second, between 1993 and 2021, the transformation of China’s intensive use of cultivated land brought about an 87.48% increase in carbon emissions, while the spatial clustering effect of carbon emissions weakened. Furthermore, the results show that, the transition of the use of cultivated land from ALI to YEFI and YEFI to LSFI will reduce carbon emissions by 7.89%, and input factors costs will increase by 23.85%. If all regions, except for those in the IFI stage, transition to the LSFI model, it will result in a 17.56% reduction in carbon emissions, with a corresponding increase of 33.40% of the input factors input costs. This research enriches the theoretical foundation of literature about the transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land. It also expands the research perspective on agricultural carbon emissions. This research also helps provide references for the direction of the transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land in China and the achievement of the dual carbon goals.