Forthcoming Articles

International Journal of Competitiveness

International Journal of Competitiveness (IJC)

Forthcoming articles have been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication but are pending final changes, are not yet published and may not appear here in their final order of publication until they are assigned to issues. Therefore, the content conforms to our standards but the presentation (e.g. typesetting and proof-reading) is not necessarily up to the Inderscience standard. Additionally, titles, authors, abstracts and keywords may change before publication. Articles will not be published until the final proofs are validated by their authors.

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International Journal of Competitiveness (2 papers in press)

Regular Issues

  • E-commerce and the changing distribution strategy of FMCG products in India   Order a copy of this article
    by Sohini Pal, Krittika Polley, Pratap Chandra Mandal 
    Abstract: E-commerce is reshaping the distribution strategy of fast-moving consumer goods in India by disrupting conventional multi-tiered supply chains. The study aims to examine how digital platforms are altering logistics, channel structures, and consumer engagement in this sector. A qualitative methodology is adopted, using secondary data from academic literature and industry reports. The analysis explores the emergence of business-to-business e-commerce, business-to-consumer e-commerce and omnichannel models, the use of technologies like artificial intelligence, enterprise resource planning, micro-fulfilment in logistics, and the shift toward direct-to-consumer strategies. It also evaluates challenges such as channel conflict, last-mile delivery inefficiencies, and contrasting rural-urban impacts, while highlighting changing consumer preferences for convenience and personalisation. Academically, the study enhances understanding of digital transformation in supply chains. For industry, it offers strategic insights into agile and tech-enabled distribution. Socially, it emphasises improved access in underserved regions. Future research may examine rural digital penetration and sustainable distribution models.
    Keywords: quick commerce; digital channels; supply chain; technology adoption; consumer behaviour; distribution conflicts; sustainability; competition.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJC.2026.10080686
     
  • Asymmetric innovation: quantifying Chinas technological progress and quality gap in the era of geopolitical competition   Order a copy of this article
    by Kingsley Chibueze Osuji, Jude Msonter Awuna 
    Abstract: Chinas transition from manufacturing to innovation-driven growth has changed global technology competition, but its rapid advances and innovation quality are unclear. This study uses a 39-country dataset, patent-quality metrics, fixed-effects panel regressions (2010-2022), institutional indices, benchmarking, and policy cases to compare Chinas R&D efficiency to the USA and EU, taking geopolitical and institutional barriers into account. China leads in applied deployment (50-55% global share in 5G/6G, renewables and EVs) but not high-quality innovation (5% triadic patents vs. 30% US). R&D intensity and STEM education enhance quality, whereas industrial policy and geopolitics diminish it; this finding is consistent across various specifications. Semiconductor, AI and quantum cases argue for scale over discovery. Chinas endogenous-growth and absorptive-capacity model works well for diffusion but not foundational creation due to quotas, volatility, and tech dependence. Improved IP enforcement, basic-science funding, and reduced patent targets can reveal rivalry dynamics.
    Keywords: innovation policy; technological quality gap; asymmetric innovation; research and development; investment; geopolitical competition; endogenous growth; China.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJC.2026.10080850
     

 

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