Innovation Theory Research Articles

Empowering SMEs innovation through intangible factors

Due to constrained resources, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often have a low capacity to innovate. While research has focused chiefly on empowering SMEs' innovation through tangible factors, this paper explores the contribution of intangible factors towards innovation under frugality conditions. We address this gap using data collected from Indonesian SME automobile component manufacturers. We employ the expanded CDM (Crepon Duguet Mairesse) model that divides innovation into three stages: effort, output, and productivity. The findings showed that in addition to common tangible factors, intangible factors contribute to all stages of innovation, though tangible factors appear to exert greater influence. The direct impact of product innovation on firm performance is moderated by tangible factors, whereas the indirect impact is moderated by intangible factors. By examining how intangible and tangible factors simultaneously empower SMEs’ innovation and hence firms’ performance, we significantly contribute to advancing the theory of frugal innovation, the competition and strategy theory, and the extended resource-based view (ERBV).

Understanding tourists' adoption of edible food packaging: the role of environmental awareness

PurposeEdible food packaging provides a solution to the solid waste problem caused by traditional packaging. However, tourists’ readiness to adopt this novel technology is unclear.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted to examine how motivated consumer innovativeness (CI), environmental awareness, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms and attitudes influence tourists' purchase behaviors in the context of edible food packaging in the tourism industry. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 3.2.8.FindingsThe results of the structural equation analysis indicate that each sub-factor of motivated consumer innovativeness positively influences attitudes. Additionally, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and personal norms were found to significantly impact purchase intentions. Environmental awareness was found to moderate the relationships between (1) perceived behavioral control and purchase intention, (2) subjective norms and purchase intention and (3) attitude and purchase intention. These findings expand the applicability of the diffusion of innovation, planned behavior and environmental awareness theories, offering useful insights for foodservice professionals.Research limitations/implicationsThis study emphasizes key implications for the tourism and foodservice industries, as consumers with an innovative attitude and higher environmental awareness are more likely to adopt edible food packaging. Identifying these factors will help stakeholders establish effective strategies for waste reduction through innovative packaging solutions.Originality/valueThis research uniquely investigates tourists' adoption of edible food packaging by integrating theories of innovation diffusion, planned behavior and environmental awareness. It offers novel insights into how various psychological and social factors influence purchase behaviors within the tourism industry.

Challenges in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Education in Cape Verde: A Study of a Mathematics Teacher Training Project

This study investigates strategies to empower Cape Verdean mathematics teachers in adopting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) methodologies, focusing on mathematics education. Using an interactive, reflective continuous professional development (CPD) model—including teaching simulations, classroom practice, and structured reflection—qualitative research was conducted via thematic analysis of published data over two project-training cycles. In the first cycle, 27 teachers participated, with 24 later acting as trainers in the second cycle, which involved 44 non-higher education teachers. The project, a collaboration between institutions in Cape Verde, Portugal, and Austria, was guided by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. GeoGebra software was employed to support STEAM adoption. Results indicate significant advancements in teachers’ technological and pedagogical skills, leading to improved student engagement and understanding. However, challenges remain, especially in integrating STEAM across disciplines due to limited resources and a lack of systemic CPD. The study concludes that sustained support is essential for fully embedding STEAM in Cape Verde’s education system.

Impact of Telemedicine Adoption on Patient Satisfaction during Post-Pandemic Healthcare Delivery in Ethiopia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of telemedicine adoption on patient satisfaction during post-pandemic healthcare delivery. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Telemedicine has improved patient satisfaction by increasing accessibility, reducing travel and wait times, and offering flexible appointments. Patients appreciated the convenience, but challenges like digital literacy gaps, limited internet access, and data privacy concerns affected satisfaction for some. Personalized provider communication significantly boosted positive experiences. Disparities in satisfaction were observed, with older adults and low-income groups facing more barriers. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technology acceptance model (TAM), diffusion of innovations theory & expectation-confirmation theory (ECT) may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of telemedicine adoption on patient satisfaction during post-pandemic healthcare delivery. Telemedicine platforms should be developed with a user-centric approach, emphasizing simplicity, accessibility, and adaptability to meet the needs of diverse patient populations, including older adults and those with limited digital skills. Policymakers should also introduce incentives such as subsidies for technology upgrades and reimbursement parity between telemedicine and in-person visits to encourage widespread adoption.

Land Misallocation and Urban Green Innovation: From the Perspective of Asymmetrical Innovation Theory

ABSTRACTAs the conflict between economic growth and environmental pollution intensifies, green innovation is gradually recognized as a pivotal strategy for promoting sustainable urban development. The unique institution is an important asymmetric resource for innovation activities, so delving into China's land institutional context represents a significant direction for both the theoretical understanding and practical application research of innovation in China. The existing framework inadequately explores the nexus between land misallocation (LM) and urban green innovation (UGI) and fails to reveal the underlying transmission mechanism fully. To bridge this gap, this paper utilizes city‐level data from China spanning 2007 to 2020, takes an asymmetric innovation perspective, and empirically tests the impact of two types of land misallocation, industrial LM and sectoral LM, on the relationship between UGI. The results reveal that LM has a significantly direct negative impact on UGI in China. The results are still robust after changing the sample size, substituting explanatory variables, replacing regression models, and running endogeneity tests. Additionally, the negative impact of LM exhibits heterogeneity within sectors and cities of different economic levels, administrative ranks, and dominant industries. The mechanism testing results indicate that LM affects UGI through structural, scale, and agglomeration effects. These conclusions enrich the literature on the impact of institutions on urban green innovation and provide valuable insights into the sustainable development of cities.

Role of Public Health Campaigns in Increasing Vaccination Rates in Rural Communities in Bangladesh

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of public health campaigns in increasing vaccination rates in rural communities. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Public health campaigns have proven effective in increasing vaccination rates in rural communities, especially when using a combination of media and direct methods like community meetings or mobile health units. Multi-channel approaches, such as multimedia campaigns, have shown significant increases in vaccine uptake by targeting different demographic groups. Community-led educational sessions have also led to notable improvements by leveraging trusted local figures to address myths and encourage immunization. SMS reminders have helped improve adherence to vaccination schedules, though challenges like phone ownership and literacy still exist. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Health belief model (HBM), diffusion of innovations theory & social ecological model (SEM) may be used to anchor future studies on the role of public health campaigns in increasing vaccination rates in rural communities. It is essential to leverage the power of trusted local figures, such as community leaders, healthcare workers, and teachers, to address vaccine hesitancy. Governments and public health bodies should develop policies that prioritize context-specific, culturally sensitive, and linguistically appropriate campaigns in rural areas.

Peran Inovasi (PETIK DUREN) Pelayanan Tilik Kampung Penduduk Rentan dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Kabupaten Lamongan

PETIK DUREN Program (Pelayanan Tilik Kampung Penduduk Rentan) is a public service innovation in Lamongan Regency aimed at improving access to civil administration for vulnerable groups, such as individuals with mental health disorders (ODGJ) and persons with disabilities. This study analyzes the program's success using Everett M. Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory, which includes indicators of relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Using a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews and official government reports.The analysis results show that the program successfully registered 161 individuals in 2023 and an additional 16 individuals by May 2024. Success is evident in the trialability and observability aspects, demonstrated through improved access to healthcare, education, and social assistance services. Simplified procedures and a proactive approach facilitate vulnerable groups in accessing civil documents. The program meets innovation indicators, especially relative advantage and compatibility, by creating efficient services tailored to local needs.However, challenges such as low community participation in certain areas and logistical constraints remain. Recommendations include strengthening data verification technology, training officers, and implementing a zoning approach to expand coverage. With these improvements, PETIK DUREN has the potential to become a national model for public service innovation in improving the welfare of vulnerable communities.

Making the implicit explicit: operationalising occurrences of cognitive development in a postgraduate engineering Community of Practice

ABSTRACT Rapidly evolving technological markets in the so-called knowledge economy have resulted in increased pressure on postgraduate (PG) engineering cohorts to produce research outputs that meet the disparate requirements of both Higher Education (HE) and the knowledge economy. The latter expects a product that is not always explicitly linked to the process required by HE. This paper offers an approach to bridging this tension by operationalising the implicit knowledge-building process through the observation of how cognitive development occurs within a PG Community of Practice in Renewable Energy studies. Drawing on sociocultural and practice-based innovation theories, a translation device has been constructed that attempts to articulate the process-product features of an engineering PG cohort across 35 online seminar recordings. The analysis suggests that cognitive development is scaffolded through discursive engagement between industry and academic participants at different study levels, who intuitively recognise gaps within the research process-product domains and collaboratively overcome these.

The strategy of adopting performance-based budgeting in the public sector: A conceptual framework

The intention of the employees who are involved in the adoption process is very crucial for the success of performance-based budgeting (PBB) adoption innovation in Iraq as an alternative to the limitations of the traditional budgeting implemented currently in Iraq. This study aims to provide a conceptual framework for PBB intention adoption in the Iraqi public sector by combining two theories which are diffusion innovation theory, and the theory of planned behavior and assembling factors that affect the intention to adopt PBB in the Iraqi public sector ministries. The framework includes factors such as awareness of PBB, innovation characteristics including complexity, compatibility, and relative advantage, in addition to perceived behavioral control, and attitude towards innovation that are important to influence the employee’s intention to adopt PBB in Iraq. The conceptual approach reviews innovation theories and literature to identify innovation components within the literature, then it synthesizes the components into independent concepts, where every concept contains characteristic meanings and symbolizes close thoughts on innovation. The findings from the study indicated the establishment of six concepts that form together the theoretical framework of “PBB intention adoption” and every concept contains characteristic meanings of the theoretical framework.

Promoting Child Development Through Product Design: A Case Study of Beijing Haileyland Maternity and Baby Products Co., Ltd.

This study aims to explore how Beijing Haileyland Maternity and Baby Products Co., Ltd. promotes the comprehensive development of children through its product design innovation. The article first outlines the importance of product design in the children’s toy industry and emphasizes the key role of innovation in meeting the growth needs of children. By integrating child development theories, product design principles, and innovation theories, this study constructs a multidimensional analytical framework. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, including market research, user interviews, and product analysis, this paper delves into how Beijing Haileyland’s product design affects children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. The results show that Beijing Haileyland’s innovative product design not only meets children’s basic entertainment needs but also actively promotes their progress in multiple developmental areas. The paper concludes by discussing the interaction between product design and child development, summarizing Beijing Haileyland’s practices and achievements in product design innovation, and providing valuable insights and suggestions for the future development of the children’s toy industry.

First-year hemp farmers’ motives and resources to cultivate hemp

Recent legislative changes have opened new ave­nues of hemp production for farmers seeking to diversify their operations. With the availability of these opportunities comes the need to better understand the decision making processes of new hemp growers. The purpose of this study was to explore what motivated first-year hemp farmers to grow hemp and to better understand the resources they utilized for decision-making. Fifteen farmers engaged in one-on-one interviews, which were ana­lyzed using qualitative research methods. Three dis­tinct themes emerged that undergirded farmer motivations to grow hemp: personal characteristics, identified advantages of hemp as a crop, and triala­bility and compatibility. Additionally, four themes were central to the resources new hemp farmers sought out: grower networks, digital media, gov­ernment-based resources, and print media. The findings of this study align with components of Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory and recent research related to hemp and hemp-based prod­ucts. Based on these findings, we recommend developing and expanding educational resources for those interested in entering hemp production to aid in their decision-making process and assist them as they navigate their entry into hemp cultivation.

Unearthing the determinants of digital innovation adoption in the agricultural sector: The role of food security awareness and agricultural experience.

Extant research has widely acknowledged the role of digital innovation as a facilitator of digital transformation, presenting solutions for various challenges in various industries. However, prior research demonstrates inadequate discussions on the determinants of digital innovation adoption for digital transformation in developing countries, particularly in the agricultural sector. To address this gap, this study investigates the effect of food security awareness, innovation characteristics, and the moderating role of agricultural experience on behavioral intention to adopt digital innovation in the agricultural sector. A dyadic model based on diffusion innovation theory and the technology acceptance model is proposed to investigate the phenomenon. This study employed a cross-sectional quantitative approach to investigate the phenomenon based on survey data collected from 207 study participants in Ghana's agricultural sector and the partial least square structural equation modeling technique. The study's findings revealed that personal innovativeness significantly affects food security awareness (β=0.574; p<0.000), relative advantage (β=0.699; p<0.000), compatibility (β=0.687; p<0.000), and complexity (β=0.312; p<0.000). In addition, food security awareness (β=0.336; p<0.000), compatibility (β=0.257; p<0.000), and agricultural experience (β=0.238; p<0.003) significantly affect behavioral intention to adopt digital innovation. Furthermore, the study revealed that agricultural experience (β=-0.145; p<0.036) moderates the relationship between compatibility and behavioral intention. Together, these variables explain 78.9% of the variance in behavioral intention to adopt digital innovation in the agricultural sector in Ghana. The study contributes to the literature on digital innovation adoption in the agricultural sector in developing countries and proffers actionable insights for practitioners.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Educational Informatization Innovation: Importance and Practice

With the rapid development of information technology, educational informatization has become a crucial force in promoting the modernization of education. Interdisciplinary collaboration, as an innovative research and practice model, provides new ideas and methods for the in-depth development of educational informatization. This paper first explores the theoretical foundation of interdisciplinary collaboration, including knowledge integration theory, collaborative innovation theory, and learning science theory, providing a solid theoretical support for the research. Then, it analyzes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in educational informatization innovation, pointing out its key role in promoting the renewal of educational concepts, driving the integration of educational technologies, improving the quality and effectiveness of teaching, and cultivating innovative talents. The paper further proposes practical paths for interdisciplinary collaboration in educational informatization innovation, including building interdisciplinary collaborative teams, conducting interdisciplinary research projects, promoting the construction of interdisciplinary courses, and strengthening the construction of interdisciplinary collaborative platforms. Through case analysis, it showcases the successful practices of interdisciplinary collaboration in educational informatization innovation at home and abroad and summarizes their experiences and insights. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges faced by interdisciplinary collaboration in educational informatization innovation and proposes corresponding strategies to provide references for the future development of educational informatization.

Nanoconfined ion transport: Common foundations driving innovative theories and transformative applications

Nanoconfined ion transport: Common foundations driving innovative theories and transformative applications

How technology convergence drives the invention of carbon-neutral building technologies? Investigation through the lens of binary innovation theory

How technology convergence drives the invention of carbon-neutral building technologies? Investigation through the lens of binary innovation theory

EMPOWERMENT IN MOTION: ANALYZING THE EXPERIENCE OF WOMEN HIP-HOP DANCE CREW

Abstract Hip-hop dance is known as one of the dance genres, primarily associated with the younger generation. However, it has gained popularity among not only the youth but also the older generations worldwide. Participants in this study have formed hip-hop dance crews targeting middle and old-aged women, engaging in regular practices and performances to create and enjoy their leisure activities. According to the innovation theory (Nimrod &amp; Kleiber 2007), individuals can achieve successful aging by actively engaging in leisure activities. This theory emphasizes the importance of continuously seeking new experiences and challenges, even in later stages of life. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of participation in the women’s dance crew based on the innovation theory. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 middle and old-aged women regarding their motivations, identity as members, and outcomes. The interview results confirmed that participants initially began their activities for various reasons (e.g., family recommendations, maintaining health), but continued their activities due to intrinsic motivation. Interestingly, it was found that both self-preservation innovation (leisure activities related to previous life experiences) and self-reinvention innovation (completely new leisure activities) were simultaneously discovered among the participants. Furthermore, participants were able to enhance psychological, physical, and social well-being through dance activities. These findings align with the key factors proposed in the innovation theory. Consequently, it was observed that middle and old-aged women preserve their past identities and explore new aspects of themselves by enjoying hip-hop dance, highlighting the significance of leisure activities in later life.

&lt;b&gt;Transformation of Islamic Higher Education: Policy Strategy, Challenges, and Opportunities&lt;/b&gt;

This study aims to identify policy strategies, research trends, challenges, and opportunities to transform Islamic Religious Higher Education (PTAI) to increase global competitiveness and relevance. This study uses a qualitative paradigm with a literature study approach to analyse the institutional transformation of Islamic higher education. Data were collected by searching for scientific articles in leading databases, such as Scopus and Garuda Kemendikbud. The analysis used content analysis techniques to identify central themes and synthesise data descriptively. The study's results identified several important aspects related to policy strategies, research trends, and challenges and opportunities, including (1) Digital Transformation of Islamic Education, where PTAI needs to develop a curriculum that is in line with technology and ensure that the quality of teaching is maintained. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory explains that factors such as relative advantage, observability, complexity, trialability, and technology compatibility influence the adoption of technology in PTAI; (2) A sustainable Adaptive Education Model based on transformational learning theory, which emphasises the importance of critical reflection on social and environmental changes in order to prepare students to face global challenges; (3) Development of Digital Skills to support the transformation of higher education, by the Theory of Educational Technology; (4) Innovation and Entrepreneurship that focuses on increasing the competitiveness of PTAI, based on the theory of educational entrepreneurship. The implications of this study indicate that PTAI needs to adopt technology and adaptive education models to increase global competitiveness. The study's limitations lie in the limited library sources of international scientific articles. The suggestion for further research is to explore the practical implementation of PTAI transformation in various countries, focusing on field studies.

The Value Implication of Digitalization to Empower the Modernization of Ideological and Political Courses in Colleges and Universities

In the new era and new journey, the construction of ideological and political courses is facing new situations and new tasks, and there must be new atmosphere and new achievements. Digital empowerment of the modernization of ideological and political courses in colleges and universities is the need to promote the party's innovative theories to be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, the need to better serve the construction of a strong country in education, and the need to promote the development of Chinese-style modernization. From the perspective of Marxist philosophy, this paper examines the value implication of digitally empowering the modernization of ideological and political courses in colleges and universities. Second, from special to general: the digitalization of ideological and political courses promotes the modernization of education; The third is from the object to the subject: the modernization of ideological and political courses promotes the modernization of teachers and students. Explain its value implication from three dimensions, enrich the connotation of the times of ideological and political courses, continuously improve the pertinence and attractiveness of ideological and political courses, and strive to cultivate more newcomers of the era who can reassure the party, love and dedicate themselves, and take on the important task of national rejuvenation.

CONSEPTUAL MODEL ON THE ADOPTION OF CHINESE MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM WITH ROGERS’ DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS THEORY AND ANIMOSITY

The Mobile Operating System (MOS) market has been dominated by the Apple's iOS and Google's Android. From the origin perspective, the MOS market is clearly dominated by the US, which can be used as a political weapon in geopolitical conflicts. During the US-China trade war, Huawei was banned from using Android. In response to the ban, Huawei introduced its own MOS, HarmonyOS. However, as of 2024, HarmonyOS remains insignificant in the MOS market. This leads to the key focus of this paper, which is to determine the factors that affect the adoption of Chinese MOS. The researchers of this paper conducted literature reviews to gather relevant variables for this case study. The findings of this paper presented a conceptual model consisting of five innovations attributes by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory and the Animosity as a moderating variable. Five innovations attributes are hypothesised to have relationships with the intention to adopt Chinese MOS, and Animosity is hypothesised to moderate their relationships. This model can contribute to the academic theory of DOI and Animosity in the context of the MOS industry, and provide real-world implications for all Chinese MOS developers, which in return benefit the consumers themselves.

Breaking Coal Lock-In: Unravelling the Policy Hurdles to Decarbonising Indonesia’s Energy Sector

The Indonesian government has ratified the 2015 Paris Agreement, thereby committing itself to a climate commitment to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2060 and to keep the Earth's temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average. This commitment is being implemented in various ways, including the decarbonisation of the electricity sector. This policy was promulgated in Presidential Regulation 112/2022 regarding acceleration of renewable energy development and Ministry of Finance Regulation 103/2023 on the fiscal support of energy transition. In this case, many aspects such as institutionalisation, visibility, intentionality, risk avoidance, and differences of interest appear to lead to procedural policy outcomes which later determine th decarbonisation rate of Coal-Fired Power Plants (CFPP). This article seeks to examine the procedural aspects of the early coal-fired power plant retirement policy innovation, based on Howlett's (2014) theory of climate policy innovation. This research employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with stakeholders and literature studies. This article explains that the policy formulation in Presidential Regulation 112/2022 tends to be procedurally negative and hampers several CFPPs' early retirement processes in West Java and Banten. The weaknesses of this policy are clearly visible in the form of administrative delays and criteria restrictions. The article posits that the existing CFPP early retirement policy exerts varying degrees of influence on Cirebon-1 CFPP, Suralaya CFPP and Pelabuhan Ratu CFPP.