Technological Change Research Articles

Professional regulation in the digital era: A qualitative case study of three professions in Ontario, Canada.

Technology is transforming service delivery and practice in many regulated professions, altering required skills, scopes of practice, and the organization of professional work. Professional regulators face considerable pressure to facilitate technology-enabled work while adapting to digital changes in their practices and procedures. However, our understanding of how regulators are responding to technology-driven risks and the impact of technology on regulatory policy is limited. To examine the impact of technology and digitalization on regulation, we conducted an exploratory case study of the regulatory bodies for nursing, law, and social work in Ontario, Canada. Data were collected over two phases. First, we collected documents from the regulators' websites and regulatory consortiums. Second, we conducted key informant interviews with two representatives from each regulator. Data were thematically analyzed to explore the impact of technological change on regulatory activities and policies and to compare how regulatory structure and field shape this impact. Five themes were identified in our analysis: balancing efficiency potential with risks of certain technological advances; the potential for improving regulation through data analytics; considering how to regulate a technologically competent workforce; recalibrating pandemic emergency measures involving technology; and contemplating the future of technology on regulatory policy and practice. Regulators face ongoing challenges with providing equity-based approaches to regulating virtual practice, ensuring practitioners are technologically competent, and leveraging regulatory data to inform decision-making. Policymakers and regulators across Canada and internationally should prioritize risk-balanced policies, guidelines, and practice standards to support professional practice in the digital era.

A multiple criteria decision analysis to establish the use cases and candidate point of care tests to enter into a platform trial of multiple in vitro diagnostic point of care tests in the prehospital environment

Background There are increasing demands on Emergency Medical Services. More efficient treatment pathways are required to support conveyance decision making and patient referral in prehospital care. Point of Care testing is increasingly available and utilised across the NHS to support optimal ways of working. We aimed to design and conduct a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to prioritise in vitro point of care tests and use cases for inclusion in a platform trial of in vitro point of care testing in UK Emergency Medical Services. Methods We designed a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis that included systematic scoping reviews stakeholder recruitment, two stakeholder surveys and two stakeholder workshops to scope the use cases, explore criteria and map use cases, evaluate the criteria and measure the use cases against the criteria. Results We recruited 32 stakeholders. We developed a scoring matrix with 4 criteria for scoring the use cases and 8 criteria for scoring the point of care tests and applied weighting determined from survey results. Use cases were scored by the stakeholders against 4 criteria. The 3 highest scoring use cases were point of care troponin testing in: possible Acute Myocardial Infarction, lactate testing in suspected sepsis and in trauma. We developed the process for scoring the point of care tests to be completed close to a proposed trial to allow for a changes in technology. Conclusions We successfully designed a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to identify use cases and candidate tests for inclusion in a future platform trial of in vitro point of care testing in UK Emergency Medical Services. We identified 3 use cases for evaluation in a platform trial of in vitro point of care testing: troponin testing in possible acute myocardial infarction, lactate testing in suspected sepsis and lactate testing to identify occult haemorrhage in trauma.

Optimizing Project-Based Learning in Developing 21st Century Skills: A Future Education Perspective

Many studies show that the effectiveness of project-based learning in the perspective of future education is influenced by 21st century skills. This can be a support to solve any problems faced by students in learning. Therefore, it is important for students to improve 21st century skills as a guide to equip themselves to prepare for the life to come. The purpose of this research is to optimize project-based learning in developing 21st century skills. Creating a new innovation in the perspective of increasingly sophisticated future education, helping students develop more complex and in-depth thinking skills so that it can provide an effective solution related to all forms of challenges that occur in the world of education. The method used in this research is quantitative method. The steps are to make statements related to tips for improving 21st century skills from the perspective of future education. Then formulated into a google form and filled in by middle and high school students. Then the data is collected and then inputted and processed using the spss application. The truth of the data can be proven by the statements made on the google form which are adjusted to the facts that occur in students. Results. Based on effective observation, it is found that 21st century skills play an important role in today's modern learning process. Skills that can equip every student to prepare themselves and realize all forms of life demands that change according to the times. The conclusion of this research is that teachers are advised to understand more about 21st century skills, in order to teach students how to adapt to increasing technological changes, so as to expand learning opportunities and enrich students' learning experiences through skills practiced by teachers.

Unraveling wage inequality: tangible and intangible assets, globalization and labor market regulations

AbstractIn this paper, we study the asymmetric effects of different types of capital-embodied technological change, as proxied by tangible and intangible assets, on relative wages (high- to medium-skilled, high- to low-skilled and medium- to low-skilled workers), relying upon the technology-skill complementarity and polarization of the labor force frameworks. We also consider two additional major channels that contribute to shaping wage differentials: globalization (in terms of trade openness and global value chains participation) and labor market institutions. The empirical analysis is carried out using a panel dataset comprising 17 mostly advanced European economies and 5 industries, with annual observations spanning the period 2008–2017. Our findings suggest that software and databases—as a proxy for intangible technologies—exert downward pressure on low-skilled wages, while robotics is associated with a polarization of the wage distribution at the expense of middle-skilled labor. Additionally, less-skilled workers’ relative wages are negatively affected by trade openness and global value chain participation, but positively influenced by sector-specific labor market regulations.

Improving care pathways through BPM and telemedicine: an Italian study

PurposeThe future increase of chronic diseases in the world requires new challenges in the health domain to improve patients' care from the point of view of the organizational processes, clinical pathways and technological solutions of digital health. For this reason, the present paper aims to focus on the study and application of well-known clinical practices and efficient organizational approaches through an innovative model (TALIsMAn) to support new care process redesign and digitalization for chronic patients.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to specific clinical models employed to manage chronic conditions such as the Population Health Management and Chronic Care Model, we introduce a Business Process Management methodology implementation supported by a set of e-health technologies, in order to manage Care Pathways (CPs) digitalization and procedures improvement.FindingsThis study shows that telemedicine services with advanced devices and technologies are not enough to provide significant changes in the healthcare sector if other key aspects such as health processes, organizational systems, interactions between actors and responsibilities are not considered and improved. Therefore, new clinical models and organizational approaches are necessary together with a deep technological change, otherwise, theoretical benefits given by telemedicine services, which often employ advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and devices, may not be translated into effective enhancements. They are obtained not only through the implementation of single telemedicine services, but integrating them in a wider digital ecosystem, where clinicians are supported in different clinical steps they have to perform.Originality/valueThe present work defines a novel methodological framework based on organizational, clinical and technological innovation, in order to redesign the territorial care for people with chronic diseases. This innovative ecosystem applied in the Italian research project TALIsMAn is based on the concept of a continuum of care and digitalization of CPs supported by Business Process Management System and telemedicine services. The main goal is to organize the different socio-medical activities in a unique and integrated IT system that should be sustainable, scalable and replicable.

Exploring the nexus of digital technology and organizational change in non-profit sport organizations

ABSTRACT The sport industry is not immune to the force digital technology brings in facilitating organizational change in sport organizations. Consequently, the purpose of the study was to explore the nexus of digital technology and organizational change in sport organizations, specifically identifying the presence of smaller digital changes and larger digital transformations. A collective case study of five Canadian national sport organizations undergoing organizational change was conducted; data derived from 49 semi-structured interviews and 151 documents. Results indicated these organizations engaged in a variety of digital changes like incorporating Microsoft 365, Zoom, and Samepage, and developing their own digital tools. Although these technologies fostered some larger digital transformations insofar as they enabled greater stakeholder communication and engagement, in the context of organizational change, digital technology remained predominantly at a small-scale, digital change level. The findings make it imperative for executives to reflect upon whether digital technology is being (un)intentionally disregarded from a strategic standpoint.

Creating the beta-infrastructure: Facial recognition terminals and social management during and after COVID-19 in China

Taking facial recognition access control (FRAC) as an example, this article examines the changing and fluctuant infrastructuralization process of facial recognition technology (FRT) in China. Drawing on ethnographic interviews, observations, and qualitative content analysis, we provide empirical accounts of how local governments, commercial entities, and community residents perceive FRT in different logics and how FRAC terminals become a key site for social negotiations unfolding through combinations of relation, power, and capital. The article outlines a new framework “beta-infrastructure” to capture the semi-material and semi-social characters of technology artifacts in nowadays digital society. The concept emphasizes both the material functionalities of FRT and the role of local citizens in negotiating what it means to be a good smart city.

Consumer Behaviour on AI Applications for Services: Measuring the Impact of Value-Based Adoption Model on Luxurious AI Resorts’ Applications

Abstract Focussing on consumer behaviour analysis derived from the changes in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the purpose of this study is to analyse the primary content factors that influence consumers’ attitudes and behavioural intentions in the hospitality industry. The present study is the first to investigate how benefits (happiness and perceived immersion) and sacrifices (trust and changes in habits) can predict consumers’ attitudes of acceptance and willingness to pay for artificially intelligent (AI) luxurious resort applications (apps). The researchers employed structural equation modelling to analyse the relationship between technology adoption and specific factors that influence customers’ perceived value in the hospitality industry. The research aims to expand on the theory of the Value Adoption Model (VAM). Based on the findings, AI-powered apps for high-end resorts have a tendency to boost tourists’ confidence and willingness to use and pay for these apps, as well as increase their perceived value. Happiness has an impact on behavioural intentions, while perceived immersion and changes in habits influence the outcomes related to intentions to ultimately accept and purchase them. The findings can benefit both ICT and the hospitality industry. Managers in the ICT industry should collaborate with researchers in service management who are exploring the challenges of technology adoption. Managerial implications and recommendations for future research are extensively provided.

Assessing the impact of innovative strategies on entrepreneurial growth and business development

Changes in the global business environment prompt the significance of innovative approaches in encouraging entrepreneurship and fresh ventures. Innovation is emerging as a critical success factor due to its ability to contribute to the growth, efficiency of production, and competitiveness of enterprises. This study aims to analyse the impact of innovative approaches on entrepreneurship and new ventures. The methodology used in this study is comprehensive and mainly employs systemic and structural-functional methods, as well as analysis and synthesis. This approach helps to illustrate the intricate network of connections between various factors that impact the effectiveness of innovative approaches for entrepreneurship development. The study proves that innovative approaches have a significant impact on productivity and entrepreneurship development, particularly for new enterprises, which benefit from the ability to quickly enter the market. These approaches facilitate the introduction of the latest technologies, process optimization, and digital solutions. The findings indicate that innovation enhances the competitiveness of new businesses and attracts investment. Risk management and adaptability are crucial for new businesses in a dynamic business environment. The ability to respond quickly to changes in technology, market conditions, and consumer preferences is vital for the development of entrepreneurship and new businesses. New businesses that effectively mitigate risks and respond dynamically to change have a better chance of maintaining their competitive advantage and sustainability. This task necessitates adaptable planning, vigilant monitoring of the external environment, and the capacity to modify strategies in response to changes.

Exploring Opportunities and Challenges of Destination Branding of Pokhara

The tourism industry is one of the fastest growing industry and has been a key factor for economic growth in several developing countries. But in the present era of globalization, due to rapid technological changes and increased global competition, destinations are now also directed towards branding themselves to deliver the correct brand image in the global arena. Pokhara has been the pioneer tourism destination and the market leader destination in Nepal. Due to the unique and stunning view of mountains, lakes and other natural, cultural as well as cultural amenities, Pokhara has been the first choice of tourists coming to Nepal and so it has been living with its self-made destination brand. This research has been carried on the same background to find the real essence of destination branding in an exploratory approach using In-depth Interview as the methodology of data collection. The opportunities and challenges of destination branding of Pokhara have been discussed using the various determinants. 5 experts were taken as the key informants from diverse fields in order to get the valid and reliable data. The research has provided with some framework of destination branding of Pokhara under the brand name ‘Paradise Pokhara’ and tagline/slogan ‘Nature, Culture and Adventure’.

The Literature Review on Curriculum Implementation Problems

Background: Changes in knowledge and technology are continually shaping the educational environment, thereby influencing curriculum implementation. Innovations are being made to meet the evolving educational goals, which includes overcoming various barriers to curriculum implementation. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the existing literature on curriculum implementation problems, particularly focusing on the issues faced by educational institutions in effectively applying educational theories and practices. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, utilizing databases such as PubMed, ERIC, Google Scholar, and JSTOR. Articles published from 1997 to 2022 that discussed challenges and strategies in curriculum implementation across various educational levels and settings were included. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesize the data, identifying common themes related to the challenges and solutions of curriculum implementation. Results: The review identified critical challenges related to four main areas: teachers, students, the curriculum itself, and institutional factors. Teacher-related challenges included inadequate professional development and inefficient teaching methods. Student-related challenges highlighted diverse learning needs and varying levels of engagement. Institutional challenges pointed to resource limitations and insufficient stakeholder support. Curriculum-related challenges were mostly about alignment and compatibility with educational goals. Conclusion: Effective curriculum implementation is pivotal in educational settings and requires comprehensive strategies to address the myriad of challenges identified. Enhancing teacher training, improving resource allocation, and ensuring curriculum relevance are crucial for improving educational outcomes.

Challenges and Recommendations for the Pension Tourism Market in the Era of Internet Plus

With the rise of "Internet Plus", the integration of the pension industry and the tourism market is facing unprecedented challenges while also presenting boundless opportunities. This study aims to explore the underlying motivations, analyze the difficulties encountered in the development of the pension tourism market, and put forward countermeasures. Moreover, the operation mode and promotion mode of the pension tourism market in the era of the "Internet Plus" are analyzed in this research through the combination of supply-demand analysis, literature review, and case analysis. The result shows that the changes in Internet technology and market demand pose challenges to the traditional pension tourism market; however, they also provide new opportunities for industry integration and market segmentation. Our research conclusion emphasizes that the industry needs to cultivate talent, introduce intelligent management, strengthen personalized services, simplify service processes, and protect information security to adapt to the changes in the Internet era so as to achieve sustainable development.

Unlocking Knowledge in the Digital Savanna: Innovative Approaches to Crafting E-Learning Experiences at the University of Botswana

The digital revolution has reshaped the landscape of education, offering unprecedented opportunities for knowledge dissemination and acquisition. This study presents a comprehensive exploration of innovative e-learning approaches implemented at the University of Botswana, which represents a remarkable case study in the evolving global educational context. The research leverages a rigorous mixed-methods approach, including case studies, surveys, and qualitative interviews with educators and students, to investigate the multifaceted strategies adopted by the university to transform traditional pedagogy. The study explores how the University of Botswana has embraced diverse e-learning methodologies, such as blended learning, gamification, and virtual labs, to enhance its educational delivery. Blended learning, combining in-person and online instruction, has not only expanded access but also yielded positive impacts on student engagement and performance. Gamification strategies have reinvigorated learning by incorporating game elements, fostering motivation, and increasing knowledge retention. Virtual labs have enriched the student experience by enabling hands-on, remote experimentation, overcoming geographical constraints. The findings underscore the University of Botswana's dedication to utilizing digital technology to democratize and elevate education in an African context. Moreover, this research delves into the institutional challenges and successes in integrating e-learning, highlighting the significance of faculty development, technological infrastructure, and student support systems in achieving transformative educational outcomes. The experiences and strategies documented in this study offer valuable insights and best practices that can inform higher education institutions globally as they navigate the ever-evolving digital realm. This research contributes to the broader discourse on the global transformation of education in the digital age, with implications for enhancing access, equity, and educational quality. In an era marked by dynamic technological advancements and changing educational paradigms, the University of Botswana's innovative e-learning initiatives serve as a beacon of inspiration and a source of valuable lessons for academic institutions committed to unlocking knowledge in the digital savanna.

Scenario analysis on CO2 emission reductions in hinterland transport of Japan through intermodal logistics network simulation

Because transport in the port hinterlands heavily depends on roads with negative externalities, much social interest has been in modal shifts (MSs) to rail and shipping with lower environmental impact. Currently, leading industry sectors to ambitiously embrace technological innovations to decarbonize—consequently, in line with these changes, the significance of MSs should change; however, no previous studies have comprehensively presented the overall CO2 emissions and transport mode shares for future regional cargo transport. This paper presents a scenario analysis of CO2 emission reductions in the Japanese domestic hinterland of international maritime container transport based on future scenarios of technological innovation and change in shipper behavior. The simulation results using the global logistics intermodal network simulation model showed that up to 87% CO2 reduction is possible, and the primary driver for this is technological innovation. Moreover, the significance of MSs fluctuates depending on the advancement of technological innovation, suggesting that MSs hold a degree of import as a decarbonization measure during the transitional phase toward carbon neutrality (CN) as technological innovation advances. The results of this study, which fluctuated considerably by scenario and timing, have policy implications with respect to the path to be followed toward CN, including whether to promote MSs.

Socio-technical transitions towards sustainable development: A proposal for learning assessment in livestock SMEs in the semi-arid Pampas of Argentina

The urgency to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the face of climate change has increased interest in studies on innovation niches in food systems. Strategic Niche Management in the framework of the Multi-Level Perspective considers that deep learning must be achieved in experimenting with innovations and demands greater understanding of instrumental aspects to guide the evolution of a niche. This study proposes to assess the progress of innovative performance towards sustainability of small and medium livestock enterprises in the Southwest of Buenos Aires, a fragile region of the Pampas biome of Argentina, as a result of learning generated in rural extension activities of the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in order to identify leverage points in the process of technological change towards more sustainable systems. An exploratory-descriptive study was carried out using qualitative-quantitative methods. Ten producers were interviewed and the MESMIS method was proposed for the construction of indicators and assessment of learning goals towards sustainability. A rapprochement of producers from modal practices to more innovative ones was observed, reflecting conditions for the progress and consolidation of the niche. However, they need for greater professionalization and institutional articulation. The study generated a measurement instrument for the self-assessment of the niche enterprises and the planning of INTA's intervention strategies. It sought to broaden empirical research in Latin America, which is still scarce in approaches to socio-technical transitions, and to advance in the evaluation of experiments in transformative innovations on the agenda for the literature.

International collaboration in public governance: assessing the role of collective initiatives and organisations

In the context of increasing globalization, rapid technological change, and the spread of complex issues such as transnational terrorism, climate change, mass migration due to armed conflicts, and the consequences of pandemics, international cooperation becomes a necessity. Public administration can no longer operate in isolation from global events and challenges, and understanding the role of international organizations and joint projects in shaping and implementing policies becomes critically important. Addressing complex problems requires joint efforts and resources, making the topic of international cooperation in governance relevant and necessary for research. The paper analysed various aspects of the role of international organizations and joint projects in policy formation, strategy development, and solving complex problems. Special attention is paid to cooperation mechanisms that strengthen institutional ties between countries and promote interaction in areas such as economics, politics, social affairs, and ecology. Additionally, by examining specific programmes, projects, and initiatives, the article highlights the importance of international cooperation as a tool for achieving common goals and addressing global challenges. Thus, international cooperation in public administration is not only relevant but also necessary for effectively responding to contemporary challenges and achieving common goals on a global scale. In turn, international organizations and joint projects facilitate coordination among different states, which helps avoid duplication of efforts and maximise the efficient use of resources. They also contribute to strengthening international relations and building trust between countries, promoting stability and peace in the world.

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.

The economics of copyright in the digital age

AbstractIntellectual property rights are fundamental to how economies organize innovation and steer the diffusion of knowledge. Copyright law, in particular, has developed constantly to keep up with emerging technologies and the interests of creators, consumers, and intermediaries of the different creative industries. We provide a synthesis of the literature on the law and economics of copyright in the digital age, with a particular focus on the available empirical evidence. First, we discuss the legal foundations of the copyright system and developments of length and scope throughout the era of digitization. Second, we review the literature on technological change with its opportunities and challenges for the stakeholders involved. We give special attention to empirical evidence on online copyright enforcement, changes in the supply of works due to digital technology, and the importance of creative re‐use and new licensing and business models. We then set out avenues for further research identifying critical gaps in the literature regarding the scope of empirical copyright research, the effects of technology that enables algorithmic licensing, and copyright issues related to software, data and artificial intelligence.

Marketing innovation for sustainability: Review, trends, and way forward

AbstractSustainable development goals are aligning marketing innovations to meet sustainability interventions. Recently, marketing has evolved to incorporate sustainability in outreach objectives. Heightened literature on the interplay between sustainability, innovations, and marketing demands a holistic understanding to guide future research direction. The current review bridges the research gap using quantitative performance analysis and qualitative intellectual structure analysis. The thematic and content analysis points towards permeating sustainability focus across the business verticals and value chain for differentiated brand positioning and sustainability‐based competitive advantage. The emergent conceptual framework underpins the moderated‐mediation role of sustainability and economic enablers with marketing initiatives to promote business innovations beneficial to all stakeholders. The sustainability‐aligned innovations in products and processes reflect in gaining cost advantage, revenue generation, access to newer markets, and differentiation. It can be inferred from the study that sustainability and conducive marketing strategies can co‐create value across the value chain, providing tangible and non‐tangible corporate payoffs. This cross‐section in the research domain calls for environmental and business focus at the micro and macro levels, supported by pro‐business strategies, system efficiencies, productivity, and technological changes in synergy with the societal landscape. The findings discern strategic directions for practitioners to chart out an organizational portfolio centered around marketing innovations to create business value for the shareholders and sustainability value for the stakeholders, ecosystem, and society. The conceptual framework can help academicians comprehend the business model around sustainability, innovations, and marketing. The evolutionary mapping of the research domain can be used to discern corporate or macro‐level policies and transcend reforms aligned to the dynamic market/stakeholder expectations.

Digital payments Impact on Indian Economy through Banking systems & Global Comparisons

India’s financial sector has witnessed a significant digital transformation, particularly in the realm of payments. The shift towards digital payment systems has reshaped transactional practices and contributed to financial inclusion. The adoption of digital payment systems like UPI and e-wallets has led to a surge in online transaction volumes, indicating a gradual move towards a cashless economy. Government initiatives and the COVID-19 pandemic have played crucial roles in promoting digital payments. However, challenges remain in achieving complete financial inclusion with approximately 190 million unbanked adults in India. Fintech companies are addressing this by providing a wide range of financial services and utilizing alternative data sources to evaluate creditworthiness. The key factors driving the adoption of digital payments in India include increased awareness, favorable government policies, quick onboarding and ease of use, smartphone proliferation and internet expansion, regulatory support, and improved technology. These factors, coupled with the enabling role of various entities and technologies, are shaping the future of digital payments in India. The rapid growth of digital payment systems, driven by a combination of technological advancements, government initiatives, and changing consumer preferences, is revolutionizing the financial landscape. As the fintech sector continues to evolve, it promises to bring about further innovations, making financial services more accessible and inclusive. The journey towards a digital economy is well underway, and with continued efforts, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in digital payments. The impact of this digital revolution extends beyond the financial sector, influencing various aspects of the economy and society, and paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient future.