Article: Navigating the digital frontier: catalysts and constraints for Indian dairy cooperatives Journal: International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning (IJTIP) 2026 Vol.14 No.2 pp.182 - 208 Abstract: This research identifies and assesses the critical factors that facilitate or impede the adoption of digital technology in the South Indian dairy cooperative sector. A comprehensive survey of dairy plants and dairy cooperative societies was conducted between 2022 and 2024, involving 873 senior managers and officials. Multivariate regression and confirmatory factor analyses were used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that while initial investment costs, limited/absence of in-house IT personnel, and insufficient technical expertise impede the adoption of digital technology, other factors that influence its adoption include perceived efficiency, benefits, competitive pressure, and information linkage. Unlike other studies that focus on selected dimensions of IT implementation in SMEs and large organisations, this paper discusses the multidimensional aspects of digitalisation in South Indian dairy cooperatives, including technological, institutional, social, personal, and informational dimensions. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Navigating the digital frontier: catalysts and constraints for Indian dairy cooperatives

Authors: K. Latha; Archana Patro; Remya Lathabhavan; E. Sulaiman

Addresses: Saintgits Institute of Management, Saintgits College of Engineering (Autonomous), Kottayam, Kerala, India; KSHEC, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033, India ' Finance and Accounting Area, Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, Uruvela, Prabandh Vihar, Bodh Gaya – 824234, India ' Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, Uruvela, Prabandh Vihar, Bodh Gaya – 824234, India ' School of Management and Business Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

Abstract: This research identifies and assesses the critical factors that facilitate or impede the adoption of digital technology in the South Indian dairy cooperative sector. A comprehensive survey of dairy plants and dairy cooperative societies was conducted between 2022 and 2024, involving 873 senior managers and officials. Multivariate regression and confirmatory factor analyses were used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that while initial investment costs, limited/absence of in-house IT personnel, and insufficient technical expertise impede the adoption of digital technology, other factors that influence its adoption include perceived efficiency, benefits, competitive pressure, and information linkage. Unlike other studies that focus on selected dimensions of IT implementation in SMEs and large organisations, this paper discusses the multidimensional aspects of digitalisation in South Indian dairy cooperatives, including technological, institutional, social, personal, and informational dimensions.

Keywords: digital frontier; digital transformation; digitalisation; catalysts; constraints; dairy cooperatives; Indian dairy cooperatives; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2026.154532

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2026 Vol.14 No.2, pp.182 - 208

Accepted: 24 Feb 2026
Published online: 02 Jul 2026 *

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Title: Navigating the digital frontier: catalysts and constraints for Indian dairy cooperatives

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