Technological Change Research Articles

Modes of strategic control: shifting dynamics between planning and control tools in strategy implementation

ABSTRACT This study examines how strategic planning and management control tools interact and evolve in a large public sector organization. Through a longitudinal case study of the Swedish Transport Administration (STA) from 2010 to 2024, it identifies three modes of strategic control – each introducing distinct ways of linking strategy to control. The study highlights how changes in control system design are not merely technical adjustments but reconfigurations of how strategy is enacted in practice. By conceptualizing these shifts as evolving modes of strategic control, the study contributes to research on strategy implementation, highlighting the dynamic interplay between planning, control, and technological change.

Family business succession in Indian micro and small technology business

Purpose Micro and small businesses are run by entrepreneurs who have established businesses. However, conflicts often arose when transitioning these businesses to the next generations. This had been a challenge for most family-run companies. The succession of business without conflict to the next generation for healthy sustenance and continuance during the transition period had been a significant issue to be addressed. Therefore, this study aims to explore the challenges and strategies associated with family business succession in technology-dominant sectors. Design/methodology/approach The authors in this study empirically investigated the phenomenon of the three-circle model (TCM) and the three spiral theory (TST). The authors conducted a Focus Group Discussion with the founders and the second generation. In total, 22 founders were part of the focused group discussion (FGD), while 26 s-generation potential business inheritors were also part of FGD. Two FGDs comprises only founders, and two FGDs comprises inheritors separately. In addition, two FGDs consisting of founders and inheritors. The data was content analyzed for themes using NVIVO. Findings The study revealed that successful generational transition in technology-based family businesses required inheritance to have both business acumen and technical skills. A key challenge was to balance the ownership within the family. Clear governance structures and role boundaries were essential to minimize family conflicts. In addition, maintaining core values and adapting to technological changes were found to be crucial. Strategies to address ownership dilution, professional mentoring and regulatory compliance emerged as important drivers for sustainable succession. Research limitations/implications Integration of TCM and TST frameworks was required in family business succession, particularly in technology-enabled contexts. Moreover, existing theories and frameworks needed to be evolved to account for the dynamic nature of technology in family businesses. Practical implications India, as an emerging nation, required more successful examples of succession planning. The study insights would help family business owners to better manage their succession planning by integrating TCM and TST practically. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was one of the first sets of studies on micro and small technology business succession planning. Most research on family businesses relied on the TCM framework. By integrating the two frameworks of TCM and TST, the current study provided a fresh perspective.

Incumbents’ adaptation in institutionally induced transitions: entry timing, institutional experience and performance

Abstract This paper focuses on local rivalry and investigates the different adaptation strategies of incumbents to technological change. It explores the relevance of entry timing advantages in institutionally induced transitions by paying special attention to the role of institutional experience. Drawing data from the Merrill Lynch Global Wireless Matrix Database, we empirically test our hypotheses in the context of the European telecommunications industry and the transition from 2G to 3G. Our findings show that, (i) entry timing advantages are relevant in these contexts but are more beneficial for non-leader companies and that (ii) institutional experience accentuates the value of the wait strategy for leader companies.

DIGITALIZATION OF LOGISTICS: NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT AND OPTIMIZATION

The article analyzes the use of digital technologies in logistics processes, in particular in the context of logistics digitalization and its impact on business efficiency. The article discusses the main digital tools used to optimize various stages of logistics processes, including supply chain management (SCM) systems, automated warehouse systems (WMS), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and analytics, blockchain, artificial intelligence, as well as transport automation and the use of drones. Particular attention is paid to how these technologies contribute to increasing the efficiency of supply and storage of goods, reducing the cost of transportation and distribution, and improving the accuracy of demand forecasting. The authors emphasize that digitalization is not only a technological necessity, but also an important strategic factor for businesses seeking to remain competitive in today's market. The article describes in detail how the use of modern technologies can not only increase the efficiency of operations, but also ensure the transparency and reliability of logistics processes, which is critical in the context of business globalization and climate change. The article pays special attention to the importance of developing digital competencies among participants in the logistics process. It is determined that in order to fully realize the potential of digital technologies, it is necessary to invest in training and professional development of employees working in the field of logistics, since possession of the latest tools allows enterprises to innovate more effectively, quickly adapt to changes and respond to new challenges. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing a corporate culture focused on technological change, as well as creating conditions for continuous professional development of employees through training programs and tools for monitoring the effectiveness of digital technologies. At the same time, the article offers recommendations on how to implement technological changes, emphasizing the need to create a strategy for the development of digital competencies to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of enterprises in the future.

Tourism shocks, skill‐biased technological change, and economic growth: A general equilibrium analysis

AbstractThis study extends the Direct Technical Change model to explore how tourism shocks influence sectoral competitiveness, wages, skill premium, technological knowledge, and economic growth. Tourism impacts the economy by reallocating labor from production to services and stimulating R&D, disproportionately benefiting skilled‐labor‐intensive sectors and fostering innovation. By incorporating labor dynamics and technological absorption, this study bridges gaps in existing literature, offering actionable insights for policymakers to drive sustainable and inclusive growth. Numerical simulations corroborate the theoretical findings, highlighting scenarios where R&D‐driven innovation outweighs labor reallocation losses, emphasizing tourism's potential as a catalyst for innovation and long‐term economic development.

A Network Model of Electric Vehicles Charging Station (EVCS) In Malaysia

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been introduced over the past decade and have played a crucial role in reducing pollution in our country. This is evident as EVs utilize electric motors to propel, in contrast to regular petrol-based vehicles. The Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), under the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA), introduced the Electric Mobility Blueprint (EMB) in 2015, aiming to reduce the percentage of carbon monoxide gas by the year 2030. In response to the growing EV market, the ministry has expanded the capacity of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) nationwide. However, it should be noted that EVCS are primarily available in focused areas such as urban centers, shopping complexes, hotels, and along highways (R&R), as highlighted by the ministry. The objective of the study is to develop a network model for EVCS in Malaysia. This study aims to identify the locations of EVCS throughout Malaysia. These locations are gathered from online applications such as SETEL, JomCharge, ChargeSini, AgmoEV, ParkEasy, etc., and mapped on Google Maps to construct an EVCS network model in Malaysia. This model serves as a reference for companies or agencies interested in establishing new charging stations, based on specific criteria. Therefore, further investigation is necessary to determine potential locations for building EVCS sites, in accordance with the guidelines set by policymakers.

Digitalization and Climate Change Spillover Effects on Saudi Digital Economy Sustainable Economic Growth

Abstract The technological and environmental externalities associated with geographical innovation in green technologies play a key role in balancing economic development with the need to protect the environment. The current study goal is to analyse the digital technology and climate change spillover effects on the Saudi digital economy’s sustainable economic growth to support the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030. The development of the framework and model focuses on integrating issues of digital technology (innovation) and CO2 emissions (climate change) to ensure sustainable economic growth and long-term development. To achieve the main goal of this study, the FMOLS method is used to estimate the data. The estimated result indicates a robust positive correlation between labour input and Saudi economic growth, while the digital technology coefficient correlation with economic growth is found significant with a negative value. CO2 emissions as a proxy for climate change are found to be positively linked with economic growth. Boosting economic growth is often accompanied by expanding economic sectors that rely heavily on energy consumption. The contribution of the green total factor productivity (GTFP) as a technological progress indicator was negative. The study’s conclusions provide insights into the economic effects of digitalization and climate change to sustain economic growth as one of the most significant sustainable development goals (SDGs) to achieve Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting cooperation and smart partnerships in the public and private sectors of KSA as well as across countries in terms of global knowledge transfer, technological advancement, development of intellectual property, and digital assets.

The Impact of Automation Adoption on Employment Structures: A Longitudinal Panel Analysis of Skill-Biased Technological Change in Malaysia’s Manufacturing Sector, 2012-2023

The Impact of Automation Adoption on Employment Structures: A Longitudinal Panel Analysis of Skill-Biased Technological Change in Malaysia’s Manufacturing Sector, 2012-2023

Spatial network analysis

The impact of current changes in technology, society, and the environment demand innovative research approaches that can accurately capture the increasing complexity of modern geographic data. To this end, this article provides an introduction to the use and implementation of spatial network analysis for the study of systems where geography matters. Presented as a computational notebook, the article offers practical, hands-on learning resources in R, assuming no prior knowledge from readers. Using a network of road links between African cities as case study, readers will be guided through key concepts and applications of spatial network analysis. The article highlights the relevance of network thinking in addressing contemporary geographic challenges.

Industrial Services Value Cocreation: The Role of Competence

ABSTRACTOrganizations have been searching for strategies to adapt to technological changes and maintain their competitive advantage. In the search for innovation as a competitive differential, the demand for technical and interpersonal skills emerges to enhance the value cocreation efficiency and the company–customer relationship. However, we identify a gap in the literature regarding the characterization of these competencies. Therefore, the present study intends to contribute by mapping the competencies and their effects on the value cocreation. Thus, this research aims to identify which competencies (described as knowledge, skills and attitudes) are necessary to cocreate value in the technological environment. As a result, through a systematic literature review, a set of knowledge and skills have been identified: (i) innovation capacity, (ii) detailed understanding of customer's needs, (iii) involvement in networks, (iv) practical knowledge, (v) creativity and (vi) solving problems skills. These competencies contribute to the understanding and structuring of cocreation actions.

Organizational communication: Analysis of research trends through production indicators in Scopus

Objective. This study investigates institutional communication research, focusing on its representation in the Scopus database. It outlines and analyzes the scientific activities recorded in this database, identifying key trends and patterns that characterize its contribution to the field. Design/Methodology/Approach. The methodological procedure, grounded in a quantitative approach, entails the retrieval of relevant literature stored in the Scopus database. While a specific time frame is not established, we proceed with the extraction of all scientific information related to the concept of institutional communication. A bibliometric methodology and various techniques are employed for the processing and calculation of indicators that reflect the main characteristics of research in this field. Results/Discussion. The evolution of scientific production has experienced a notable and progressive increase over time. Despite the contributions of numerous authors, the author with the highest output during the entire period has not exceeded 26 articles. This study addresses organizational communication issues from various perspectives, including the Communicative Constitution of Organizations, Ventriloquism and Distributed Agency, Communication and Power in Organizations, Organizational Culture and Narratives, Technology and Digital Communication, and Communication and Change. It also covers topics such as organizational communication in global and cross-cultural contexts, ethics in organizational communication, communication and emotions in the workplace, communication in specific sectors, and communication and sustainability. Conclusions. The study in question provides a comprehensive perspective on how organizational communication adapts to technological, social, and economic changes. This adaptation is examined from a bibliometric viewpoint and through a thorough analysis of the literature indexed in Scopus. For example, it is important to note that topics such as cybersecurity, sentiment analysis, teleworking, and the use of social networks are becoming increasingly significant in scientific literature, reflecting the current needs of organizations.

What Are the Effects of Early Childhood Exposure to Environmental Lead on Personality?

Abstract In the first analysis purporting to causally link environmental pollution to personality, Schwaba and colleagues leveraged a natural experiment driven by the United States. They used the Clean Air Act to assess the impact of decreased atmospheric lead on the “big five” personality traits. Using data from an online personality test taken by more than 1.2 million U.S. residents, Schwaba et al. reported that people born after lead levels had peaked in their county of birth had more mature, psychologically healthy personalities in adulthood (higher agreeableness and conscientiousness, and lower neuroticism) than cohorts born earlier and exposed to higher levels of atmospheric lead. One concern with their findings is that personality differences among people born in different periods could come from factors unrelated to lead, for example, access to abortion and birth control, or demographic, cultural, or technological changes. Schwaba et al. recognized this possibility but did not fully explore it. When we account for cohort-wide changes by introducing birth year fixed effects into Schwaba et al.’s models, the estimated effects of the lead phaseout on personality largely disappear, becoming indistinguishable from zero while remaining precise. Meanwhile, the estimated birth year fixed effects are jointly significant, suggesting differences in personality traits across cohorts. These results indicate that any effects of the lead phaseout on more mature, psychologically healthy adult personalities are not consistently observable in the data used by Schwaba et al. More broadly, they caution against making causal inferences without controlling for time period effects.

Global trends in wage dynamics

Under the conditions of growing economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and the im­pact of technological changes, the issue of wage dynamics has acquired strategic importance. The aim of this research is to identify key trends in wage dynamics globally and in specific regions. To achieve this aim, the research employs statistical, comparative, and systemic analysis methods, as well as systematization, grouping, and scientific abstraction. The hypo­thesis, which is tested in this research, is that global wage dynamics are determined by the combined influence of economic, technological, demographic, social and political factors. Overall, global trends in wage dynamics across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and the Arab world are influenced by regional characteristics and shaped by economic, social, and political factors. It was found that the largest declines in wages occurred during the global financial crisis (2008–2009) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), due to a sharp reduction in economic activity, a drop in employment and a slowdown in labor productivity growth. The unevenness of real wage growth by region is substantiated with high rates in the Asia-Pacific region, Central and Western Asia, and Eastern Europe, and moderate rates in countries with developed market economies in Western Europe and North America. The analysis of the ratio between minimum and maximum wages in Poland, Germany, the USA, and Ukraine from 2016 to 2023 reveals signify­cant differences in levels of social inequality. The reduction of the wage gap in developed countries is a result of active social policies, whereas in Ukraine, it remains substantial due to structural economic problems. Global trends in wage dynamics have been identified: growing wage inequality, the impact of the latest technologies on the labor market and its pay, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the globalization of the labor market. The existence of a gap between high-skilled and low-skilled workers, regional inequality in wages, the gender gap, the impact of automation and robotics on wages, wage growth in critical sectors of the economy, wage cuts in sectors affected by the pandemic, relocation of produc­tion to countries with cheaper labor and compe­tition through outsourcing are proven. It is emphasized that the growth of the global inflation rate has a negative impact on the real incomes of employees, reducing their purcha­sing power. The slowdown in global economic growth, geopolitical risks, the energy crisis in Europe and the food crisis in Africa as a result of russian aggression against Ukraine signify­cantly affected the dynamics of wages on a global scale

Cross-Industry Analysis of the Hotel and Restaurant Sector’s Contribution to Kazakhstan’s Economy

Today, tourism and the hospitality industry are playing an increasingly important role in the economy of Kazakhstan, creating multiplier effects and contributing to the development of related industries. The aim of the study is to quantify the impact of final demand for the hotel and restaurant sectors on the economy based on the intersectoral balance model. Annual statistical reports from the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan were used as initial data, aggregated into 15 broad industries. Methods were used to calculate coefficients of direct and total costs, output multipliers, income multipliers and value-added, as well as indices of direct and inverse intersectoral relations based on the Leontief model. Results showed that the hotel-restaurant sector had the greatest multiplier effect, with a multiplier of 2.929 for output and 0.691 for income. The value added multiplier was 1.686. The values obtained reflect a high degree of interconnection between the sector and other industries, and its ability to produce a significant cumulative economic impact with increased final demand. The findings of the study highlight the importance of the hotel and restaurant sector as one of the key drivers of economic growth, especially in terms of creating added value and stimulating employment. Practical significance lies in strengthening internal cooperation, which can further enhance the effect of increasing final demand for hospitality services. Future research could include the development of dynamic and hybrid approaches to account for changes in structure, price effects, and technology in supply chains.

Digitalization as an Enabler in Railway Maintenance: A Review from “The International Union of Railways Asset Management Framework” Perspective

This paper conducts a comprehensive review of the role of digitalization in railway maintenance management, particularly through the lens of the International Union of Railways (UIC) asset management framework. The study aims to assess how digital technologies such as Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) serve as enablers for more efficient and effective maintenance practices in the railway sector. By employing a bibliometric analysis, we identify the current trends, challenges, and gaps in the literature concerning the integration of digital tools into maintenance management frameworks. The findings reveal that while digitalization offers significant potential for optimizing maintenance operations and enhancing decision-making processes, its successful implementation requires a more integrated approach that aligns with the strategic goals of railway organizations. This paper also discusses future research directions, emphasizing the need for a global framework incorporating technological advancements and organizational change to achieve sustainable and safe railway operations.

How do knowledge management and technological capability impact innovation performance of MSMEs? Role of ambidexterity

ABSTRACT Enterprises are experiencing an ever-evolving dynamic business environment characterized by technological advancements, market disruptions, geopolitical shifts, and changing consumer preferences. In such a volatile landscape, innovating and thriving are crucial for sustainable success. Ambidexterity, the capacity to simultaneously explore new opportunities while exploiting existing capabilities, emerges as a vital concept to enhance organizational performance amidst environmental dynamism. Considering the dynamic capabilities approach, the study unveils the ever-increasing importance of ambidexterity and how it facilitates the innovation performance of MSMEs. In this regard, a conceptual research framework has been formulated to evaluate the impact of Knowledge management (KM), Technological capability (TC), and Organizational ambidexterity (OA) in influencing Innovation Performance (IP). The Partial Least Squares-SEM approach is utilized to test the framework. The empirical data was gathered from 214 manufacturing and service MSMEs based in India. KM and TC explain 49.1% of the variance in ambidexterity, with ambidexterity accounting for 16.7% of the variance in IP. Moreover, the results reveal the partial mediation of ambidexterity in defining the link between KM-IP and TC-IP. These findings offer practitioners and policymakers valuable theoretical and empirical insights to foster innovation among MSMEs.

Spiritual confusion in the era of artificial intelligence: a psychology of religion perspective

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents unprecedented challenges to traditional religious understanding and practice, especially in terms of religious experience and psychological behavioural patterns. This study examines the various dimensions of spiritual confusion arising from AI integration across diverse religious traditions, employing a psychology of religion framework alongside Western and Eastern philosophical spectrums, enriched by psychobiographical analyses of religious practitioners’ developmental trajectories in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), with particular focus on the implications of artificial intelligence. Our research reveals AI’s significant impact on religious life across cognitive, affective, and behavioural extent, while considering epistemological and theological conclusions. Case studies of robotic religious figures, AI applications, and virtual communities demonstrate both opportunities and challenges in technological–spiritual integration, with particular attention to psychological processes in religious meaning-making and community formation. The findings emphasize the psychological aspects of preserving authentic religious experiences in AI-mediated environments, illuminated by psychobiographical insights into how personal spiritual development trajectories shape technological adaptation. This study suggests that navigating spiritual confusion requires comprehensive frameworks that address both individual religious psychology and institutional adaptation to technological change, while acknowledging the unique life-course developmental patterns that influence spiritual–technological integration.

Technological Absorption Hypothesis and Productivity Growth in Pakistan Manufacturing Sector

This research focuses on determining factors that influence the growth of technological progress in Pakistan's manufacturing sector. The Solow residual, which measures technological change, has been calculated using a growth accounting framework. Additionally, it evaluates the extent of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) in relation to macroeconomic variables, including technology transfer, the financial sector, human capital, development expenditure, and trade openness. The empirical model finding indicates that two key elements investing in human capital and enhancing employee skills alongside effective skill matching are crucial for boosting manufacturing growth. Furthermore, the empirical model suggests, other significant factors that support TFP, such as trade openness, financial development, and increased development expenditure, which align with the Keynesian view that development expenditure is essential for economic advancement. This paper emphasizes the importance of targeted investment in human and technological capital, alongside appropriate macroeconomic policies, to enhance manufacturing productivity in Pakistan.

A bibliometric analysis of HIV-1 drug-resistant minority variants from 1999 to 2024

BackgroundThe rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy has become an international trend, necessitating lifelong medication for all HIV patients. Sanger sequencing, as the gold standard for clinically detecting HIV drug resistance, often fails to detect mutations comprising less than 20% of the total viral population. With the advancement of detection technologies, HIV-1 drug-resistant minority variants have garnered increasing attention. Few studies have analyzed the hotspots and trends in this field, which bibliometrics can effectively address.MethodsPublications related to HIV-1 DRMinVs from 1999 to 2024 were searched on the Web of Science Core Collection database. Visual knowledge maps and bibliometric analyses were generated using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix.ResultsIn total, 289 publications concerning HIV-1 drug-resistant minority variants were identified from 1999 to 2024, demonstrating a steady increase in publication output over the years. Although developed countries, led by the United States, are the main contributors, 9.57% and 2.48% of the research from the top five publishing countries focus on populations in Africa and other developing countries, respectively. Most contributing institutions are universities and public health organizations, with the University of Washington having the highest publication output. The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy holds the highest prominence among journals in this domain. The main hotspots include “drug classes,” “drug resistance surveillance,” “mother-to-child transmission,” “treatment outcomes,” and “targets of HIV-1 drug resistance testing,” And we found several noteworthy shifts in research trends in HIV-1 drug-resistant minority variants studies, including changes in drug resistance testing technologies, the primary study population, and drug classes.ConclusionsThis is the first bibliometric analysis of publications related to HIV-1 DRMinVs from 1999 to 2024. We analyzed the key research contributions across countries, institutions and journals. Based on keyword co-occurrence and cluster analysis, we identified several noteworthy shifts in research trends in HIV-1 DRMinVs studies, including changes in drug resistance testing technologies, the primary study population, and drug classes.

A History of Mathematics Technology Changes

A History of Mathematics Technology Changes