New Product Development Research Articles

The implication of user-generated content in new product development process: A systematic literature review and future research agenda

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of user-generated content (UGC) research within the context of new product development (NPD). A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted across three prominent databases, namely Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct, using keywords to identify relevant articles. 5585 of 13,381 articles were deemed relevant following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. These articles were then thoroughly analyzed to create a comprehensive review of the topic. The selection process involved evaluating the titles and abstracts of all publications that were discovered, and carefully choosing 136 articles for full-text review. From these, 58 articles were ultimately selected for detailed analysis in this study. The study highlights the role of UGC in augmenting NPD process and identifies potential areas for future research based on evidence derived from an SLR of articles published between 2012 and 2023. The research methodologies adopted in this paper involve descriptive analysis and TCM framework (T-themes, C-contexts, and M-methodologies). Finally, the article concludes by shedding light on its potential applications by providing four themes and highlighting the importance of future research in the field with five propositions.

Analysis Of Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) Product Launch On Telecommunication Stock Returns In Indonesia

This research evaluates the possibility of a Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) strategy in the telecommunications sector, particularly in light of the significant increase in data consumption globally. Based on a report from Ericsson Mobility and market analysis, FMC services are expected to contribute around 10-20% to the total revenue of telecommunications companies. The success of this strategy in Western Europe and the vast potential in the Asia Pacific region, including Indonesia, confirm this. This study is conducted using a comparative descriptive method on the stock returns of FMC players in Indonesia, thus aiming to prove whether FMC events can affect the dynamics of the telecommunications market in Indonesia and enrich investors' understanding of the potential of FMC on the financial performance of telecommunications companies, this can subsequently be manifested in the market's stock performance of telecoms business. The importance of analyzing changes in stock returns for investors of FMC operators in Indonesia, such as XL, SmartFren, and Telkomsel, both before and after the launch of FMC products, is a particular focus. In this case, the paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test methods assess significant differences between the means of two paired samples. The findings of this study offer practical guidance for investors looking at FMC strategies as information for making more informed investment decisions and improving their portfolio performance.

Application of In Vitro Digestion Models in the Evaluation of Dietary Supplements.

Nowadays, dietary supplements are a permanent part of our diet. Using various simulated in vitro digestive models, the bioavailability of dietary supplement ingredients has also been investigated. In most cases, static models are used instead of dynamic ones. This article focuses on the division of applications of in vitro methods, such as assessing the quality of dietary supplements (in chemical and pharmaceutical form), the impact of diet on the assessment of the bioavailability of product ingredients, the impact of supplement ingredients on the state of intestinal microflora, and the development of new products using various encapsulation methods. The review included publications from 2000 to 2024 showing the use of in vitro methods in dietary supplements containing polysaccharides, proteins, elements, vitamins, and bioactive substances, as well as probiotic and prebiotic products. The impact of components in dietary supplements on the human digestive tract and their degree of bioaccessibility were determined through the use of in vitro methods. The application of in vitro methods has also become an effective tool for designing new forms of dietary supplements in order to increase the availability and durability of labile ingredients in these products.

Exploring the Agricultural Applications of Microbial Melanin.

Microbial melanins are a group of pigments with protective effects against harsh conditions, showing fascinating photoprotective activities, mainly due to their capability to absorb UV radiation. In bacteria, they are produced by the oxidation of L-tyrosine, generating eumelanin and pheomelanin. Meanwhile, allomelanin is produced by fungi through the decarboxylative condensation of malonyl-CoA. Moreover, melanins possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, revealing significant properties that can be used in different industries, such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agronomical. In agriculture, melanins have potential applications, including the development of new biological products based on this pigment for the biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria to reduce the excessive and toxic levels of agrochemicals used in fields. Furthermore, there are possibilities to develop and improve new bio-based pesticides that control pest insects through the use of melanin-producing and toxin-producing Bacillus thuringiensis or through the application of melanin to insecticidal proteins to generate a new product with improved resistance to UV radiation that can then be applied to the plants. Melanins and melanin-producing bacteria have potential applications in agriculture due to their ability to improve plant growth. Finally, the bioremediation of water and soils is possible through the application of melanins to polluted soils and water, removing synthetic dyes and toxic metals.

Design and simulation of sun position sensors for space applications: A comparative study.

Sun position sensors are used in space applications as part of the attitude determination and control system. The aim of this work is to describe the design process of single and dual axis sun position sensors based on a photodiode array detector and a window to limit and direct the light that reaches the detector. The design process involves choosing the sensor architecture, modeling its output, and then evaluating the model through simulation. Six architectures, with different configurations and geometries for both the detector and window, were modeled and compared. To evaluate the model and performance of the sensor, a program was developed, and simulations were made varying the window height and size as well as the photodiode size. From the simulations performed, we concluded that for each design, the key factors that influence the sensitivity and field of view performance are the window height and window or photodiode size, depending on the sensor configuration. From the comparison across architectures, the detector configuration, as well as the window geometry, influences the sensitivity and linearity of the response for similar conditions of operation. The two-quadrant detector configuration offers a better sensitivity than the triangular photodiode configuration. For a better linearity of the output, a square window is preferred. This comparative study is part of the development of new products for space applications by the National Atomic Energy Commission and contributes to the Argentinian National Space Plan.

A Great Time to Get Away

AbstractJuly is a great time to relax and reflect. It is the midpoint of the summer. It is also the halfway point for many fiscal calendars. Use the opportunity to look back on new year's resolutions or those grand business plans and check your score. Are you on track for your professional development? Is that new product launch going as planned? These are important things to monitor, but it is also important to monitor your vacation score.

Yacon powder mix: Effects of the composition and the process of microencapsulation by spray drying

Yacon is a tuber known as a healthy food due to its effects as an antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and prebiotic agent; it is rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and antioxidants, and due to its sweet taste and low-calorie content, it is used as a substitute for ordinary sugar. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of the composition of the feed and the microencapsulation process by spray drying (SD) on the properties of a yacon powder mixture (YP). Response surface methodology with a central composite design with a face-centered composition (α = 1) was used, considering the independent variables: inulin (IN) (3–5% w/w), maltodextrin (MD) (3–5% w/w), air inlet temperature (AIT) (140–160 °C), air outlet temperature (AOT) (75–85 °C) and atomizer disc speed (ADS) (18000–22000 rpm), and the dependent variables: moisture (Xw), water activity (aw), hygroscopicity (Hy), solubility (S), particle size (percentile D10, D50, and D90), total phenols (TP), antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH), color (CIE-Lab*) and yield (Yi). The suspension formulation contained xanthan gum (0.167 %) and a mixture of ascorbic and citric acids (0.3 %). The aw and Xw values of the YP guarantee its microbiological stability; however, the process formulation produces a complex matrix (FOS- sugars- MD - IN) with high affinity for water, which favors adsorption phenomena (hygroscopic material) and high reconstitution (high solubility). The independent variables that best fit the experimental optimization criteria were: IN = 3.0 %, MD = 5.0 %, AIT = 143.7 °C, AOT = 80.1 °C, ADS = 22000 rpm, where Yi = 84.2 %, and the quality of the YP: Xw = 2.4 %, aw = 0.220, Hy = 23.0 %, S = 96.9 %, D10 = 10.6 μm, D50 = 23.4 μm and D90 = 169.3 μm, TP = 1228.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, ABTS = 2295.9 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g, DPPH = 5192.3 mg TE/100 g, L* = 80.5, a* = 5.1 and b* = 17.4. SD is an effective technology that positively impacts the development of new food products. In addition, the YP could have multipurpose applications for the industry, generating value in this agri-chain.

Navigating challenges in new product development: Strategies for reducing failure rates in the medical device industry

New product development (NPD) in the medical device industry is critical for advancing healthcare technology and improving patient outcomes. Due to high usage of automated processes and applications in healthcare, the medical devices are not limited to products but have expanded to software as medical device. However, the failure rate of NPD projects in this sector remains high due to various challenges. This article explores the complex NPD process, which includes concept development, feasibility studies, design, and development, verification and validation, regulatory approval, and commercialization. Major reasons for project failures are identified, such as regulatory challenges, Change Management issues, market misalignment, communication failures, and insufficient risk management. Addressing these failure points requires a multifaceted approach. Regulatory pathways should be navigated with careful planning and compliance, and market needs must be thoroughly understood through comprehensive research. Resource allocation should be optimized to avoid constraints, and effective communication channels should be established to align all project participants. Finally, implementing rigorous risk management strategies, such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), can help mitigate potential risks early in the development process. By adopting these strategies, medical device companies can improve their NPD processes, reduce the failure rate of projects, and bring innovative and effective medical devices to market successfully.

Operation of Chinese Enterprises Using Smart Manufacturing: Basis for Strategic Plan

Focusing on Chinese companies, this study examined their operations in smart manufacturing and provided key information for strategic planning. Investigating the position of Chinese companies in the smart manufacturing market through an online and offline questionnaire survey, the study found that companies became increasingly competitive. The adoption of smart manufacturing technologies had a profound impact on companies' market positions, driving them to better adapt to market demands. The study looked at the impact of smart manufacturing on productivity. By adopting technologies such as automation, big data analytics, and real-time monitoring, Chinese companies optimized their production processes, improved productivity, and reduced production costs. The findings suggested that smart manufacturing played a key role in stimulating innovation. By introducing advanced technologies and digital solutions, companies not only improved their products and services but also accelerated the introduction of new products. The study examined the Chinese government's policies and support measures for smart manufacturing. Government support was identified as one of the key factors driving firms' adoption of smart manufacturing, covering a wide range of aspects such as financial incentives, industry standards, and technology development. In terms of sustainable development, the adoption of smart manufacturing positively impacted resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental impact. Chinese companies sought to achieve economic growth while focusing on sustainability and environmental protection. Taken together, this study provided a comprehensive summary covering key areas such as market position, competitive environment, productivity, innovation, government policies and support, and sustainability of Chinese companies in smart manufacturing. This provided foundational information for companies to develop relevant strategic plans. After the research period, the conclusion about the operational strategic planning of Chinese enterprises utilizing smart manufacturing from 2024 to 2033 is drawn: Chinese smart manufacturing enterprises should strengthen competitiveness, improve productivity, innovate continuously, make full use of government policy support, and achieve sustainable development during the period of 2024-2033 in order to cope with the changing market environment and challenges and achieve long-term stable growth. Keywords: Chinese Companies, Smart Manufacturing, Operations, Strategic Planning, Market, Competition

Structured Planning for Strengthening Marketing and Distribution Capacity of Cilembu Sweet Potato Products

The method of implementing this community service is systematically designed to overcome the problems faced by the target partner, Ma Utik, in developing the Cilembu yam industry and its processed products. The preparation and planning stages as well as socialization and initial training are the main focuses in this program. The preparation stage begins with an initial survey to identify partner needs related to marketing, business management, distribution network development, and product innovation. A service team consisting of experts in economics, management, agribusiness, and informatics was formed with a division of tasks according to competence. A structured work plan includes a schedule of activities, implementation methods, and indicators of success, as well as careful management of budgets and resources. Socialization and training materials were developed based on partner needs to ensure in-depth understanding and mastery of relevant skills. The socialization phase begins with an initial meeting to introduce the program's objectives, benefits and solutions to partners, while accommodating their inputs. Initial training was conducted to provide partners with a foundation of knowledge and skills. Marketing strategy training covers the use of social media, digital marketing, branding, and promotion. Business management training covers business planning, financial management, and strategic decision-making using business management software. Distribution network development training includes negotiating and building relationships with distributors, as well as utilizing communication technology. Product innovation training includes identification of market trends and development of new products using market research technology. Through this approach, it is expected that partners can understand the program objectives and acquire the necessary skills to improve their competitiveness. With effective coordination between the service team, community partners, and supporting institutions, this program can run smoothly and have a significant impact. The implementation of a digital marketing application specifically for Cilembu yam products is one of the main results that is expected to increase product visibility, facilitate customer access, strengthen branding, and increase interaction with customers and business partners

From the Perspective of Service and Transformation: How to Develop Small and Medium-Sized Electromechanical Enterprises - Based on "Changzhou Jiutian Electromechanical"

In recent years, with the continuous development of society, the mechanical and electrical industry technology continues to update, so that the mechanical and electrical automation in many fields show multi-function, high efficiency, green environmental protection, and other characteristics, the use of mechanical and electrical equipment in people's life and production of more and more high proportion. Based on this, Liyang City, Jiangsu Province has created a new pattern of "one core park and many bases" with Zhongguancun Science and Technology Industrial Park as the core and the township's characteristic industrial base as the auxiliary. Promoted the development of new industries, new enterprises, and new products, so that Liyang agriculture and animal husbandry machinery and other advanced manufacturing industries rapidly rise. With the fierce competition, the company has gained 65% of the domestic market share, and the 1.2 billion yuan company is working to build a global high-end grain machinery production base, transforming "Made in Europe and America" to "Made in China". How small and medium-sized mechanical and electrical enterprises survive in the fierce competition has triggered thinking. In this case, utilizing field investigation and online interview, the strategic analysis of Changzhou Jiutian Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd TD was conducted using the Porter five force model and Boston matrix analysis. Changzhou Jiutian Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd., as a small and medium-sized electromechanical enterprise, needs to stand firm in the current competitive environment. Our research shows that we should start with the service and transformation strategy to realize the self-development of enterprises.

Research on Moutai Cross-border Product Marketing Optimization Strategies: Taking Moutai Ice Cream as an Example

Purpose - On May 19, 2022, Moutai and Mengniu reached a strategic cooperation, announced the opening of the country’s first Moutai ice cream flagship store, and launched Moutai ice cream in various flavors including original, vanilla and other flavors, achieving growth against the trend. Moutai has entered the high-end ice cream market by engaging in strategic collaborations with Mengniu. However, in the marketing process, since Moutai ice cream is not a traditional alcoholic product, Moutai needs to explore new marketing methods. Design/Methodology/Approach - This article utilizes the 4P theory as a framework to elucidate the present status of Moutai ice cream products, encompassing pricing, distribution channels, and promotional strategies. Secondly, it highlights the issues and underlying reasons in the marketing of the Moutai ice cream brand. Finally, specific countermeasures and suggestions were proposed regarding brand value, brand culture, cross-border channels, and communication methods. Findings - Summarizes the existing problems such as product cross-border impact on brand value, the launch of new products that fails to continue the image of Moutai, the limitations of radiating target consumer groups, and the lack of interaction between Moutai ice cream and consumers, etc., and puts forward specific issues. Countermeasure suggestions. Research Implications - The research in this article has enhanced the cross-border marketing capabilities of Moutai ice cream, which is significant for improving the sales level and brand influence of Moutai ice cream. It also provides reference and guidance for other companies in the industry regarding their brand’s cross-border strategies.

Narrative Review of the Current and Future Perspectives of Phycobiliproteins' Applications in the Food Industry: From Natural Colors to Alternative Proteins.

Vivid-colored phycobiliproteins (PBPs) have emerging potential as food colors and alternative proteins in the food industry. However, enhancing their application potential requires increasing stability, cost-effective purification processes, and consumer acceptance. This narrative review aimed to highlight information regarding the critical aspects of PBP research that is needed to improve their food industry potential, such as stability, food fortification, development of new PBP-based food products, and cost-effective production. The main results of the literature review show that polysaccharide and protein-based encapsulations significantly improve PBPs' stability. Additionally, while many studies have investigated the ability of PBPs to enhance the techno-functional properties, like viscosity, emulsifying and stabilizing activity, texture, rheology, etc., of widely used food products, highly concentrated PBP food products are still rare. Therefore, much effort should be invested in improving the stability, yield, and sensory characteristics of the PBP-fortified food due to the resulting unpleasant sensory characteristics. Considering that most studies focus on the C-phycocyanin from Spirulina, future studies should concentrate on less explored PBPs from red macroalgae due to their much higher production potential, a critical factor for positioning PBPs as alternative proteins.

ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНІ ІННОВАЦІЇ ЯК КЛЮЧОВИЙ ЧИННИК КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ НА ГЛОБАЛЬНОМУ РИНКУ

Technological innovations today are becoming not just a key, but an essential success factor for modern enterprises on the global market. The level of competitiveness today is determined not only by the quality of products or services, but also by the speed of their implementation, adaptability to changes and improvement of processes. The article is aimed at studying the role of technological innovations in enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises in the global market. The study found that the introduction of advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, etc., plays a significant role in improving the efficiency of modern enterprises and ensuring the competitiveness of enterprises. The article also analyzes the impact and benefits of technological innovations for entrepreneurship, including production, logistics, marketing, and customer service. It was found that such innovations help companies reduce costs, improve the quality of products and services, and accelerate the development of new products and markets. In addition, the key factors of success in the implementation of technological innovations, such as openness to change, flexibility in solving problems, and the ability to respond quickly to market and technological trends, are highlighted. The author summarizes that innovative activities allow enterprises not only to strengthen their positions in existing markets, but also to create new opportunities for the development of a new digital environment. The author analyzes the current state and prospects for the development of technological innovations in Ukraine, in particular, in the context of Industry 4.0 and technoglobalization. The study showed that Ukraine has the potential to develop technological innovations, particularly in the field of information technology, but needs additional funding and integration into the global scientific space.

Combinatory and customization of creativity techniques depending on the characteristics of the tasks of innovation development

The article considers the range of creative methods that are commonly used in the complex landscape of innovative development. The main focus is on revealing the problems associated with the choice of appropriate creative methodologies that resonate with the subtle requirements of individual innovative endeavors. Through comprehensive research, various categories of innovation, ranging from revolutionary breakthroughs to incremental advances, are scrutinized, as well as an in-depth analysis of the various models and methodologies used to segment the continuum of innovation development into individual phases. Based on extensive research efforts, a special framework for classification and support of the innovation development process for each of the proposed stages is proposed. This innovative structure combines a number of creative techniques and their constituent elements into a single whole. Presented in the form of a comprehensive matrix, this model facilitates the intelligent choice of creative methods adapted to a specific innovation typology and project development stage. The use of the proposed innovative model will help by significantly increasing the efficiency of the processes of creating ideas, while streamlining the development and implementation of new products and advanced technologies. By providing practitioners with a systematic and sophisticated approach to problem solving, the model ensures optimal application of creativity techniques to the needs of each unique innovation endeavor. This holistic approach to innovation management not only fosters a culture of continuous improvement, but also creates a fertile ground for transformational breakthroughs, contributing to sustainable growth and competitiveness in today’s dynamic marketplace. Therefore, the author analyzed the existing creativity techniques used in the creation of innovations and synthesized a comprehensive innovation approach that allows identifying each step in the development of an innovation and customizing creativity techniques and their elements for each of the stages.

Aging and entrepreneurs' emotional exhaustion: The role of entrepreneurial strategy, psychological capital, and felt age gap

In this paper, we draw from the theory of social and emotional aging to examine the mechanisms of age-related emotional exhaustion among entrepreneurs. Based on longitudinal data from a sample of 840 entrepreneurs in four European countries, our study shows that, with increasing biological age, entrepreneurs experience less emotional exhaustion due to their enhanced psychological capital and because they apply less entrepreneurial strategies which focus on the creation of new market opportunities and the development of new products and services. In addition, we highlight the still under-explored role of entrepreneurs' felt age gap by demonstrating that, among the same age-group, individuals who feel younger than their biological age gain well-being benefits because they possess higher levels of psychological capital and become less exhausted from the application of entrepreneurial strategies. In conclusion, our study offers two significant contributions to the literature on entrepreneurial well-being. First, we introduce the concept of the ‘Hebe Effect in entrepreneurship’, named after the Greek goddess of youth, which demonstrates how feeling younger than one's biological age acts as a buffer against stress and protects entrepreneurs from the strains of entrepreneurship. Second, we deepen understandings of how entrepreneurs' strategic choices evolve over their lifespan and influence their personal well-being. These insights also carry practical implications for aging societies that promote entrepreneurship across individuals' lifespans. Executive summaryThis study addresses a critical gap in the entrepreneurship literature on aging and well-being by examining how age influences emotional exhaustion among entrepreneurs. Despite significant research conducted on aging and entrepreneurship, studies have yet to explore the interplay between biological age, subjective age, and emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, the manner in which entrepreneurs subject themselves to, and protect themselves from, emotional exhaustion across their lifespans remains severely underexplored. This lacuna is particularly striking given global trends of increased life expectancy, the burgeoning number of older individuals engaging in entrepreneurship, and the risks posed by emotional exhaustion to entrepreneurial efforts and individuals' lives, as well as the societal costs related thereto.By using the theory of social and emotional aging (SEA), we investigate how biological age and subjective age impact entrepreneurs' emotional exhaustion. Our longitudinal study, based on data from 840 entrepreneurs across four European countries, reveals that older entrepreneurs experience less emotional exhaustion than their younger peers. This is due to their increased psychological capital and reduced engagement in strategies focused on new market opportunities and product development. Additionally, entrepreneurs who subjectively feel younger than their biological age benefit from higher psychological capital and are less affected by the emotional strain of entrepreneurial strategies.Our research introduces the ‘Hebe Effect in entrepreneurship’, illustrating that feeling younger than one's biological age serves as a buffer against emotional exhaustion. This effect is mediated by enhanced psychological capital and the strategic choices made by entrepreneurs as they age. By developing and testing the novel Age-Strategy-PsyCap-Exhaustion (ASPE) model, we demonstrate how biological age and felt age gap jointly influence entrepreneurs' emotional exhaustion through psychological capital and strategic choices. The study makes significant contributions to both theory and practice. The concept of the Hebe Effect in entrepreneurship provides a new lens through which to understand how subjective age can protect entrepreneurs from emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, our ASPE model offers a comprehensive framework for explicating the mechanisms through which age-related factors impact entrepreneurial well-being.From a practical perspective, our findings suggest important policy implications for aging societies. Encouraging entrepreneurship among older adults can yield well-being benefits and enhance resilience, thus underscoring the value of an inclusive approach to entrepreneurial support. In addition, specifically tailored support mechanisms that consider both biological and subjective aging can help mitigate emotional exhaustion, thereby fostering sustainable entrepreneurial activities across all ages. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of the complex relationship between aging and entrepreneurial well-being, offering valuable insights for both academic research and practical applications in promoting a healthy and resilient form of entrepreneurship.

Application of Bletilla striata polysaccharide hydrogel for wound healing among in diabetes

Diabetes has become an increasingly serious global health crisis. Long-term hyperglycemia can lead to vascular and neurological disorders, thus deterring wound healing. Therefore, exploring treatment modalities for wounds in individuals with diabetes is clinically significant. Bletilla striata polysaccharide and bioactive natural polymers carbomer 940 and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) are cross-linked to form the Bletilla striata polysaccharide hydrogel (named CCHG/BSP). Upon characterization, we found that the hydrogel has a porous structure and good mechanical and moisture retention properties. A hemolysis test revealed that the hydrogel had high safety. Furthermore, the hydrogel effectively promoted proliferation and migration in mouse L929 fibroblasts. In back wounds inflicted in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of diabetes, the CCHG/BSP hydrogel significantly promoted wound healing. Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining of tissues around the wound suggest that the mechanism underlying wound healing in diabetes may involve the promotion of angiogenesis, regulation of inflammation, and promotion of collagen regeneration. This provides a foundation for studies on and the development of new BSP pharmacotherapeutic products and the clinical application of its hydrogel dressing, and provide novel avenues for treating wounds in individuals with diabetes.

POSSIBILITIES AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN GEORGIA

Georgia is a country rich in history and culture, which has been experiencing a period of rapid technological development and innovation in recent years. in a scientific article we will look at how scientific and technological progress affects the economy, finance and society of Georgia, what new opportunities it opens up, what problems the country faces and what are the prospects for further development. The current economic situation in the world, which is significantly related to the tense political situation, large-scale wars and regional conflicts, is a great challenge for Georgia, because some of its territories are occupied. Therefore, Georgia invests heavily in the creation of such high-tech industries, such as information technology, biotechnology, robotics and alternative energy. The country's government actively supports startups and the development of new products, attracting international investment. This allows Georgia to take an increasingly strong position in the global high-tech market and become one of the regional hubs and leaders in the field of innovation.

From Plate to Planet: Factors Influence Thai Consumers’ Adoption Intention as Sources of Actual Behavior Development of Plant-Based Food

Introduction: This study investigates the factors influencing Thai consumers’ acceptance of plant-based food products. Drawing upon the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), personal innovativeness and environment concern, are examined as predictors of adoption intention and actual behavior. Methods: The quantitative approaches collected data with convenience sampling method from Thai consumers using online questionnaires. A structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to analyse the confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis on relationships among variables and hypothesis testing. Results: The findings reveal significant positive relationships between attitudes, subjective norms, environmental concern, and personal innovativeness to adoption intention through actual behavior of plant-based food products. Perceived behavioral control did not impact adoption intention. Discussion: The results underscore the importance of attitudes, environmental concern, subjective norms and personal innovativeness in shaping consumer behaviour towards plant-based foods. Plant-based entrepreneurs can promote adoption to behavior on product launching using various factors across research fields as marketing strategies and communication tools regarding increase the product adoption and revenue growth.

Traditional preference mapping and computational machine learning techniques: A comparative study of approaches to guide product development

Preference mapping, a well-known set of multivariate statistical techniques, has become widely adopted due to its demonstrated effectiveness as a powerful tool in guiding the development of new products and enhancing existing ones. Recent advancements in open-source software and computational capabilities have introduced a new set of accessible tools with the potential to address limitations associated with traditional methods. This study introduces an alternative algorithm for building predictive models, employing regularized regression in combination with Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS). These methods make fewer assumptions about the relationship between predictors and the target and can easily capture complex and non-linear relationships. Additionally, the study presents a robust and systematic alternative approach for calculating optimum profiles and performing simulations. The paper aims to compare this new set of tools, referred to as computational machine learning techniques, with a well-established and widely recognized method − PrefMap based on Partial Least Squares Regression. The primary intention of the comparison between computational machine learning and one example of a traditional approach is not to determine a winning methodology, but rather to enhance awareness and deepen the understanding of this emerging family of models and techniques now available to sensory and consumer scientists. Results are assessed side by side to reveal their similarities and differences in terms of predictive power, drivers of liking, and the optimal profile aspects, and a list of practical considerations is provided at the end, enabling a better understanding of the trade-offs between the two approaches presented here.