Investment In New Technologies Research Articles

Technological substitution: The key control modes

One of the primary goals of public administration in Russia is ensuring technological sovereignty which is hard to attain without proper planning and coherent technology modernization policy in different fields of economic activity. However, administration tools should allow for the current stage of technological development. The article aims to identify control modes of technology modernization considering the principles of substitution and addition. The foundation of research resides in technological change theory. The research methods applied are taxonomic and structural analysis, statistical generalization. Empirical evidence for 2004–2021 was retrieved from the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat). This methodological approach has allowed establishing the key control modes and types of technology modernization – substitution and addition – according to investment in high or low technology, and formulating their central principles. The study also discusses the variants of state policy aiming to extend the country’s technological sovereignty based on the current mode of technological modernization. It is shown that the pseudo effect of technological dualism discovered in the Russian economy suggests utilising special tools designed to optimize the economic structure for boosting investment in new technologies.

ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY AND THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE GROWTH OF EMPLOYEES’ DIGITAL COMPETENCIES

The article examines the relationship between organizational agility and digital competencies of employees. The aim of the research was to identify factors that contribute to the growth of digital competencies in agile organizations, as well as to determine the impact of these factors on the agility of these organizations. A hypothesis was formulated that there is a strong relationship between organizational agility and factors increasing the digital competencies of employees. In the study conducted on 303 respondents, four main factors were examined: the willingness to adapt to changes, the company’s investment in new technologies, training and workshops, and the creation of an appropriate culture and environment in the organization. The results show that all these factors are strongly correlated with each other, indicating the need for an integrated approach to the development of digital competencies. In conclusion, the article emphasizes that appropriate investments in new technologies, the implementation of training and workshops, and the creation of a culture and environment that promote the adaptation of new technologies are necessary to increase the digital competencies of employees and enhance organizational agility. The research provides valuable information for organizational leaders striving to increase organizational agility through the development of digital competencies of employees.

Policy legacies and energy transitions: Greening policies under sectoral reforms in Argentina and Chile

Under what conditions do greening policies lead to a fast deployment of solar and wind energies? Environmental economics assume that market factors and technological innovations are the main drivers of energy transitions. While these assumptions sometimes hold for well-functioning markets; in emerging economies, the combination of scarce capital, weak institutions, and market distortions creates specific challenges that make their paths to clean energies different from those of developed states. I analyze greening reforms of the electricity sector in Argentina and Chile, exploring instances of success and failure. Using archive data and interviews to stakeholders, I explain how previous sector structures created different market distortions that hindered an effective electricity transition even in the context of significant cost-savings from investment in new technologies. Successful greening policies entailed broader electricity-sector reforms that removed previous binding constraints and restructured incentives for key private-sector stakeholders. I corroborate this argument by employing synthetic control methods to evaluate policies’ impact. I show that broad greening policies led to a significant penetration of renewable energies: by 2020 the share of solar and wind energies in Argentina and Chile were about 7.3% and 13.6% higher than in the counterfactual scenarios in which the greening reforms had not occurred.

Changes in the steel chain in Industry 4.0. Some results of survey on the Polish steel market

Abstract The paper discusses the changes occurring in the steel industry and related markets as they move towards Industry 4.0. With significant investments in new technologies, steel mills are creating a smart environment for cooperation between producers, distributors, and consumers of steel products. The influence of Industry 4.0 within mills is being transferred to other participants in the steel product chains, and vice versa. The research aimed to determine the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on the steel product chains in the Polish steel market. The research was conducted in Poland. The obtained database comprised 208 respondents (company executives), including steel mills and steel product manufacturers. Technologies (the pillars of Industry 4.0) are grouped into five technological fields: automation and robotics; warehouse automation; Computer systems, systems integration, mobile technologies, Big Data and IIoT, Blockchain and cybersecurity. Analysis was realized in the three respondent segments representing the steel chain in Poland [RSs]: Producer [P], Distributor [D], and Consumer [C]. The results of the research can help companies improve their steel product chains. The study takes a value chain approach, considering steel production, distribution of steel products, and services for orders and consumers of steel and steel products.

Strategic flexibility in healthcare: an exploration of real options

PurposeThis survey explores the application of real options theory to the field of health economics. The integration of options theory offers a valuable framework to address these challenges, providing insights into healthcare investments, policy analysis and patient care pathways.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs the real options theory, a financial concept, to delve into health economics challenges. Through a systematic approach, three distinct models rooted in this theory are crafted and analyzed. Firstly, the study examines the value of investing in emerging health technology, factoring in future advantages, associated costs and unpredictability. The second model is patient-centric, evaluating the choice between immediate treatment switch and waiting for more clarity, while also weighing the associated risks. Lastly, the research assesses pandemic-related government policies, emphasizing the importance of delaying decisions in the face of uncertainties, thereby promoting data-driven policymaking.FindingsThree different real options models are presented in this study to illustrate their applicability and value in aiding decision-makers. (1) The first evaluates investments in new technology, analyzing future benefits, discount rates and benefit volatility to determine investment value. (2) In the second model, a patient has the option of switching treatments now or waiting for more information before optimally switching treatments. However, waiting has its risks, such as disease progression. By modeling the potential benefits and risks of both options, and factoring in the time value, this model aids doctors and patients in making informed decisions based on a quantified assessment of potential outcomes. (3) The third model concerns pandemic policy: governments can end or prolong lockdowns. While awaiting more data on the virus might lead to economic and societal strain, the model emphasizes the economic value of deferring decisions under uncertainty.Practical implicationsThis research provides a quantified perspective on various decisions in healthcare, from investments in new technology to treatment choices for patients to government decisions regarding pandemics. By applying real options theory, stakeholders can make more evidence-driven decisions.Social implicationsDecisions about patient care pathways and pandemic policies have direct societal implications. For instance, choices regarding the prolongation or ending of lockdowns can lead to economic and societal strain.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its application of real options theory, a concept from finance, to the realm of health economics, offering novel insights and analytical tools for decision-makers in the healthcare sector.

Expanding Access to Computed Tomographic Staging and Three-Dimensional Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for Cervical Cancer in Ghana.

To build capacity for improved treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer in Ghana, including computed tomography (CT) staging and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer were prospectively staged with abdominopelvic CT and ultrasound and offered the opportunity to have IMRT instead of conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy. The development of an efficient, high-quality, and safe IMRT program was facilitated by investment in new technology and comprehensive training of the interdisciplinary radiotherapy team in collaboration with a North American center of excellence. Of 215 patients with cervical cancer referred in 2022, 66% were able to afford CT scans and 26% were able to afford IMRT. Lymph node metastases were identified in 52% of patients by CT but in only 2% of patients by ultrasound. The use of CT resulted in 63% of patients being upstaged and changed treatment intent or radiation treatment volumes in 67% of patients. Patients who had IMRT experienced fewer acute side effects and were more likely to complete treatment as planned. It is feasible to provide state-of the-art cancer treatment with CT staging and IMRT to patients with cervical cancer in low-resource settings and achieve meaningful improvements in outcomes. It requires a broad commitment by program leadership to invest in technology and staff training. Major challenges include balancing improved clinical care with reduced patient throughput when radiation treatment capacity is constrained, and with the additional cost in the absence of universal health coverage.

Assessing radiologists' and radiographers' perceptions on artificial intelligence integration: opportunities and challenges.

The objective of this study was to evaluate radiologists' and radiographers' opinions and perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into the radiology department. Additionally, we investigated the most common challenges and barriers that radiologists and radiographers face when learning about AI. A nationwide, online descriptive cross-sectional survey was distributed to radiologists and radiographers working in hospitals and medical centres from May 29, 2023 to July 30, 2023. The questionnaire examined the participants' opinions, feelings, and predictions regarding AI and its applications in the radiology department. Descriptive statistics were used to report the participants' demographics and responses. Five-points Likert-scale data were reported using divergent stacked bar graphs to highlight any central tendencies. Responses were collected from 258 participants, revealing a positive attitude towards implementing AI. Both radiologists and radiographers predicted breast imaging would be the subspecialty most impacted by the AI revolution. MRI, mammography, and CT were identified as the primary modalities with significant importance in the field of AI application. The major barrier encountered by radiologists and radiographers when learning about AI was the lack of mentorship, guidance, and support from experts. Participants demonstrated a positive attitude towards learning about AI and implementing it in the radiology practice. However, radiologists and radiographers encounter several barriers when learning about AI, such as the absence of experienced professionals support and direction. Radiologists and radiographers reported several barriers to AI learning, with the most significant being the lack of mentorship and guidance from experts, followed by the lack of funding and investment in new technologies.

System planning with demand assets in balancing markets

Balancing markets will become more and more relevant with the increased volatility in the electricity system due to the increase in the renewable quota. New policies are paving the way for customers flexibility participation as demand response in reserve products. This paper contributes with an assessment of the impact of demand response participation in the reserve market when planning the electricity system’s operation and investment in new technologies. The model used has been conveniently upgraded and a set of scenarios have been raised to conduct the analysis. The residential and services sectors' consumption for heating, cooling, hot water, and electric vehicles are considered as sources of flexibility. Each one has their own modeling to represent their nature. Main findings show that demand response receives and offers more benefits for the system on the wholesale market than in balancing services, although their participation in them is quite relevant. This is due to the decrease in firm capacity investment needs thanks to reducing systems’ peak technologies and the decrease of spillages from renewables. Additionally, increasing demand response percentages in the systems lead to cost reduction. However, there is a limitation associated with an increase of CO2 emissions due to the usage of existing polluting technologies to avoid investments in storages. Finally, flexibility providers are compared to determine their flexible capabilities.

Environment and Inclusive Growth: Concerns and Solutions

The ecology and all of its components are suffering greatly as a result of the unchecked speed of development. At this rate, environmental degradation will have an impact on humanity and associated fields. In order to prevent the consequences of expansion from pushing the environment into a situation from which it is incapable of recovering, there should be ongoing, earnest efforts made towards sustainable development. The three pillars of ecodevelopment are the environment, humanity, and economy. A stable growth rate is necessary to attain a just balance between these pillars. Since agriculture employs the majority of the population, it also has an impact on the balance of the ecosystem. Because every unplanned step towards progress puts us back in the environmental front, we must thus be mindful of the boundaries of environmental challenges in order to achieve equitable economic growth. The hope for sustainable development lies in decreased deforestation, greater food security, conservative agricultural practices, the use of biopesticides, and prudent use of natural resources. To be effective, environmental policy probably needs to employ a variety of tools, each addressing a distinct aspect of the issue and attempting to minimise redundancies and pointless regulations. Appropriately pricing environmental inputs facilitates sustainable resource provision and use management. Long-term corporate investment in new technology and innovation is encouraged by a consistent and clear environmental policy, which also increases investment certainty. Environmental and economic success are interdependent. Economic activity and advancement depend on the natural environment because it provides the resources needed to produce goods and services and because it processes and absorbs waste and pollution, which are unwanted byproducts. This paper focuses on how environmental assets assist control risks associated with social and economic activities, flood risks, local climate regulation (temperature and air quality), and the availability of clean water and other resources.

Comparative Study on the effects of Urban Heat Islands using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System for the Salem district, India

The ecology and all of its components are suffering greatly as a result of the unchecked speed of development. At this rate, environmental degradation will have an impact on humanity and associated fields. In order to prevent the consequences of expansion from pushing the environment into a situation from which it is incapable of recovering, there should be ongoing, earnest efforts made towards sustainable development. The three pillars of ecodevelopment are the environment, humanity, and economy. A stable growth rate is necessary to attain a just balance between these pillars. Since agriculture employs the majority of the population, it also has an impact on the balance of the ecosystem. Because every unplanned step towards progress puts us back in the environmental front, we must thus be mindful of the boundaries of environmental challenges in order to achieve equitable economic growth. The hope for sustainable development lies in decreased deforestation, greater food security, conservative agricultural practices, the use of biopesticides, and prudent use of natural resources. To be effective, environmental policy probably needs to employ a variety of tools, each addressing a distinct aspect of the issue and attempting to minimise redundancies and pointless regulations. Appropriately pricing environmental inputs facilitates sustainable resource provision and use management. Long-term corporate investment in new technology and innovation is encouraged by a consistent and clear environmental policy, which also increases investment certainty. Environmental and economic success are interdependent. Economic activity and advancement depend on the natural environment because it provides the resources needed to produce goods and services and because it processes and absorbs waste and pollution, which are unwanted byproducts. This paper focuses on how environmental assets assist control risks associated with social and economic activities, flood risks, local climate regulation (temperature and air quality), and the availability of clean water and other resources.

Does innovation facilitate meeting the CO2 emission reduction targets of China: A non-linear approach

China has been implementing energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction schemes at the provincial level that have been embedded in the National Five Year Plans of the country. We set out to investigate the relationship between R&D expenditures and CO2 emissions in China at the province level in the context of the planned emissions reduction targets. We explore the possibility of the existence of a non-linear relationship between R&D expenditures and CO2 emissions with a non-parametric methodology, a fixed effect panel data quantile (FEQR) regression estimator applied to a panel of 30 provinces. We stratify the sample according to the five emissions reduction target tiers of the 12th Five-Year National Plan of China and we investigate the role of R&D expenditures in emissions reduction within each of the tiers. We find an inverse U relationship with different turning points for the three middle tiers and a U-shaped relationship for the tier under the most stringent environmental regulation. We find no effect in the tier with the least stringent emissions reduction targets. A further investigation shows that the above results are attributed to sectors with relatively low energy intensity and not to the sectors of heavy industry. The results allow us to draw broad conclusions about the effectiveness of investment in new technologies as a means of meeting the CO2 targets in China.

ASSESSMENT OF THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE ORGANIZATION AND PROSPECTS FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT (CASE STUDY: OAO “ORŠANSKA MLEKARA”)

The analysis of the financial statement figures provides an opportunity for a assessment of the success of the organization’s operations. In this paper, an analysis of the operations of the company “Oršanska mlekara” was performed. The results of the analysis show that investments in new technologies significantly raise the quality of financial results from business activities (production and sale of products), but that excessive borrowing in the long term can offset these results.

Comparison of the criteria affecting the digital innovation performance of the European Union (EU) member and candidate countries with the entropy weight-TOPSIS method and investigation of its importance for SMEs

Digital innovation offers new competitive opportunities for the EU to achieve its digital strategies and innovation objectives. This study aims to show that the digital innovation performance of SMEs is related to criteria that affect countries' levels of digital technology adoption, digital transformation and innovation management. The digital innovation indicators used for this purpose are ICT, knowledge-intensive employment, university-industry collaborations on R&D, digital skills, patent applications, investments in new technologies, R&D expenditures, use of virtual social networks and cyber security. Research data were obtained from the Global Innovation Index (GII), Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) and Network Readiness Index (NRI). These data were analyzed with the Entropy Weight-TOPSIS method and EU and candidate countries were compared. In the results of the research analysis, Austria, Denmark and Germany took the first three places. In the ranking of these countries, ICT utilization, patent applications and R&D expenditures have high scores. The last three ranked countries are Turkey, Serbia and Croatia. Compared to EU members and other candidate countries, these three countries have the lowest scores in ICT use, patent applications, knowledge intensive employment, digital skills, investment in new technologies and university-industry cooperation in R&D.

From Mind to Matter: Patterns of Innovation in the Archaeological Record and the Ecology of Social Learning

AbstractArchaeology and cultural evolution theory both predict that environmental variation and population size drive the likelihood of inventions (via individual learning) and their conversion to population-wide innovations (via social uptake). We use the case study of the adoption of the bow and arrow in the Great Basin to infer how patterns of cultural variation, invention, and innovation affect investment in new technologies over time and the conditions under which we could predict cultural innovation to occur. Using an agent-based simulation to investigate the conditions that manifest in the innovation of technology, we find the following: (1) increasing ecological variation results in a greater reliance on individual learning, even when this decreases average fitness due to the costs of learning; (2) decreasing population size increases variability in the types of learning strategies that individuals use; among smaller populations drift-like processes may contribute to randomization in interpopulation cultural diffusion; (3) increasing the mutation rate affects the variability in learning patterns at different rates of environmental variation; and (4) increasing selection pressure increases the reliance on social learning. We provide an open-source R script for the model and encourage others to use it to test additional hypotheses.

Implementing new technologies to enhance specimen quality and researcher value at the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

AbstractBackgroundThe National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) was established in 1990 at Indiana University with the mission to support research focused on the etiology, early detection, and development of therapeutics for ADRD. NCRAD has been funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) since 1990 and is an integral international resource for clinical information and biological materials. As ADRD research has advanced, NCRAD and the NIA have worked together to expand the number and type of biological specimens available to the research community. NCRAD currently houses DNA, RNA, CSF, plasma, serum, stool, brain tissue, LCLs, PBMCs, fibroblasts and iPSCs from individuals with ADRD and healthy controls. NCRAD and the NIA have invested in technologies to standardize specimen processing, enhance specimen quality, and increase specimen distribution to researchers. Paired with this, all data generated from NCRAD specimens must be made available to other researchers through approved data warehouses.MethodDNA extractions are performed with standardized Chemagen chemistries on the Chemagic360 platform. Genotyping is performed with SNP Type™ assays on Juno™ and Biomark™ platforms. Automated specimen storage is executed by a Hamilton® BiOS M. Biofluid handling and sub‐aliquoting are carried out on Janus®, Biomek, and STARlet liquid‐handling platforms.ResultDNA extraction quality, consistency, and throughput increased after adopting the Chemagic360 platform. Custom SNP fingerprint genotyping of DNA specimens upon intake and distribution ensured specimen identity was not lost due to collection site errors or specimen swaps during processing. Additionally, APOE and LRRK2 G2019S genotyping has provided researchers banking specimens with valuable ADRD‐related genetic information. Automated, high‐density storage has permitted the banking of more specimens, allowing for onboarding of additional studies. Storage automation reduced the handling of specimens that could introduce warming events, contributing to confounding preanalytical variables.ConclusionRecent investments in new technologies have allowed NCRAD to accelerate ADRD research by supporting a broader range of biological specimens, increasing the number of specimens banked, limiting the effects of preanalytical variables, and shortening the time to distribute specimens. The broad availability of NCRAD specimens and the data generated from these specimens, has resulted in over 700 peer‐reviewed publications.

Sustainable food security in the sultanate of Oman

Food security is a complex, multifaceted issue influenced by culture, environment, and geographical location. Food security is built on four pillars such as food availability, food access, food utilization and stability in food. The purpose of this study is to exploit the sustainable food security to learn how and whether Oman characteristics influence food security. This study is based on exploratory research by reviewing available literature on food safety in developing countries. The government of Oman is realizing the importance of food security, and this is part of the national strategy. The study will help policy makers focus on more useful policy tools in their endeavor to maintain or improve production and distribution within their food systems, and better plan for the many challenges that could face the country. Oman is ensuring that its citizens have access to enough affordable, safe, and quality food. Farmers, consumers, and jobseekers could all benefit from a three-point strategy to give Oman food security. The government may need to increase investment in new technologies and innovations to ensure food security. Implementing an integrated natural resource management system to facilitate food security. We need collective action at the local level, as well as the participation of government and nongovernmental organizations that work at the community level, can make major improvements to global food security in Sultanate of Oman.

The Effect of e-Procurement Technology on Performance of Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka: The Mediating Role of Procurement Practices

The apparel industry in Sri Lanka is one of the vital sectors in the country’s economyhaving recorded substantial development over the past. The entire procurementprocess of the industry, from the purchase of raw materials through to the delivery ofthe finished product, is crucial to supply chain management and decision-making.Use of electronic procurement technology (EPT), procurement practices, andprocurement performance are the three key factors that affect this process. Thisresearch aims to explore the relationship among EPT usage, procurement practicesand procurement performance of the apparel sector in Sri Lanka. More specificallythe study investigates the mediating effect of procurement practices on therelationship between EPT and procurement performance. Data were collectedthrough a structured online questionnaire from randomly selected 40 supply chainand procurement management staff of three leading apparel companies in Sri Lanka.Collected data were analyzed by using SPSS statistical software with descriptive andinferential statics. The results of the analysis provide evidence for statisticallysignificant positive effects of EPT and procurement practices on procurementperformance. Moreover, the study found a statistically significant mediation effect ofprocurement practices on the relationship between the usage of EPT and procurementperformance. Thus, this study contributes to the literature by providing new insightinto the importance of investments in new technology for effective procurementprocesses.Keywords: e-Procurement, Performance, Apparel industry, Sri Lanka

Implementation of Strategic Management in Improving Organizational Performance in Manufacturing Companies

This study aims to investigate the implementation of strategic management as an effort to improve organizational performance in manufacturing companies in Makassar. In the context of increasingly fierce competition and dynamic change, manufacturing companies need to adopt effective strategic approaches to gain competitive advantage. This study uses descriptive-qualitative research method by collecting data through interviews and direct observation in selected manufacturing companies.The results showed that the implementation of strategic management contributed positively to the improvement of organizational performance. In terms of strengths, manufacturing companies in Makassar have quality human resources and a good reputation in producing high quality products. However, some weaknesses such as dependence on the local market and limited financial resources need to be overcome. Opportunities that can be utilized are the growth of the global market and technological advances that can improve operational efficiency. Threats include intense competition and fluctuating raw material prices.
 Based on the findings, recommended strategies for improving organizational performance include market diversification, increased innovation, investment in new technology, and improved operational efficiency. The company also needs to strengthen cooperation with suppliers and monitor regulatory developments that may affect business operations. The implications of this study can serve as a guide for manufacturing companies in implementing strategic management to improve organizational performance.

Characterizing Circular Supply Chain Practices in Industry 5.0 With Respect to Sustainable Manufacturing Operations

The current research investigated the significance of circular supply chain practices in Industry 5.0 with respect to their sustainable manufacturing operations. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the current study identified key circular supply chain practices and their potential benefits for Industry 5.0. The findings indicated that closed-loop supply chains, sustainable sourcing, product design for circularity, and waste reduction may assist Industry 5.0 firms to achieve their sustainability objectives while enhancing the operational efficiency. Moreover, the study also highlighted the challenges associated with the implementation of circular supply chain practices including the necessity for collaboration among supply chain partners, investment in new technologies and infrastructure, and the development of new skills and capabilities. From a practical and managerial perspective, the implications suggest that firms aiming to adopt circular supply chain practices in Industry 5.0 should prioritize collaboration and coordination, make investments in new technologies and infrastructure, and foster the acquisition of new skills and capabilities. To complement this research, future studies could employ empirical research methods in order to validate the findings and recommendations as well as explore potential barriers to the implementation of circular supply chain practices in Industry 5.0.

Investment in new technology is needed to eradicate malaria

Investment in new technology is needed to eradicate malaria