Title: Transferring AI technology in medical supply chain: a disruptive approach at addressing political, socioeconomic, and environmental dilemma in developing economies

Authors: Anthony Ayakwah; Isaac S. Damoah

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Management, Studies Liberal Studies Department, Koforidua Technical University, P.O. Box 981, Eastern Region, Ghana ' Management Department, College of Business, Johnson & Wales University, 8 Abbott Park Pl, Providence, RI 02903, Rhode Island, USA

Abstract: AI has attracted extant literature devoted to different subjects, including healthcare. However, AI studies within healthcare have focused extensively on medical diagnosis, operations, and prescription, to the neglect of healthcare supply chain. To bridge this knowledge gap, we draw on innovation and knowledge transfer theories and an in-depth semi-structured interview to explain how AI-enabled medical drones in healthcare supply chain are transferred to developing countries to solve political, socioeconomics and environmental challenges. Data are collated from gatekeepers' knowledge and innovation transfers of the world's largest medical drone program in Ghana. Our evidence shows that despite the developing economy's peculiarities, a systematic knowledge transfer process was adopted and with the support of enabling factors such as political will, skilled personnel, and institutional cooperation contributed to the transfer of the AI-enabled medical drones. This ensures that there is fluidity in the application of the technology, resulting in political, socio-economic, and environmental benefits.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; knowledge transfer; disruptive innovation; medical supply chain; drones; developing economies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2022.126139

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2022 Vol.22 No.4, pp.325 - 347

Received: 11 Sep 2020
Accepted: 24 Apr 2021
Published online: 13 Oct 2022 *

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