International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (8 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing and Logistics: an exploratory study  
  by Ibrahim Alotaibi 
  Abstract: Despite the hype created by artificial intelligence is believed by many private and public institutions that it can change the standard way of performing. It remains as a phenomena of science fiction and still there are conversations regarding AI, what that meant to integrate this technology with the present scenarios. Over the years, AI has expanded its efficiency in industrial automation sectors. Companies are investing very huge in AI towards their industrial process automation with the support of machine learning and deep learning. Hence, this research is an attempt to understand artificial intelligence, the factors and elements that are involved, knowledge that is required for the implications. AI has reached a stage where it is ready for scaling and implementation will this adoption continue in the future throughout the world, the challenges, and reasons for this adoption.
  Keywords: technology; big data; deep learning; machine learning; robotics; industrial; artificial intelligence; AI; smart manufacturing; automation; logistics; internet of things; IOT; manufacturing; management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2021.10048050
   
  
• A comprehensive overview of the ICT sector in Kosovo: Challenges & Recommendations  
  by Dillon Berjani, Flamur Breznica 
  Abstract: The ICT sector in Kosovo has experienced augmented growth over the past 10 years that has embedded the sector into political and academic agendas. This growth gave the sector the epithet of the designated motor for potential economic growth & innovation. However, although the sector seemingly experienced growth in the last few years, the magnitude of this growth has barely been researched. This has often led to impromptu measures attempting to assist the sector, be that on political, institutional or business level. This paper aims to examine the ICT sector in Kosovo and offer a comprehensive overview of the sector, followed by an overview of the challenges for the sector, accompanied by apt recommendations on how to address them. The study will make use of primary data collected through surveys and questionnaires and secondary data from key institutions who have studied the sector previously. The key objective is to offer recommendations to political actors, businesses and other key institutions on how to accelerate sustainable and organic sector growth. rn
  Keywords: ICT; Entrepreneurship; Kosovo; Emerging Economies; Outsourcing; Product Developmentrn.
  
  
• Navigating Commercialisation Challenges During A Period of Market Instability: A Case Study of RFID Tag-Based Products in the Oil and Gas Industry  
  by Jason Hannam, Ben Zoghi 
  Abstract: With the 2020 COVID pandemic and other political factors, technology customers and solution providers are continually threatened by bankruptcy and slim economic margins. While some long-term hope looms on the horizon, there is currently little appetite to invest in new technology, presenting unique challenges for product commercialisation in the oil and gas (O&G) industry. This case study walks readers through commercialisation process of potential RFID-based products, which are used to enable improved reliability and reduce risk in drilling operations; it was studied through the lens of a fictitious company called Integrated Drilling Products (IDP), a small technology company located in Texas in the United States of America. Data are gathered through extensive research of literature as well as interviews and surveys with middle to high-level employees of drilling contractors and oil and gas operators. Through market analysis, financial return calculations comparing different scenarios, this study seeks to provides insights for the general steps of the commercialisation process (except for product launch and delivery) and to explore strategies that can be used to grow and foster research and development. In conclusion, this case study found that even a simple model for commercialisation can aid decision making in small businesses. This work is relevant to leaders of small or medium-sized businesses seeking to find practical solutions to ongoing commercialisation issues, specifically in unstable markets.
  Keywords: Commercialisation; Small Business; Technology; Challenges; Product Development.
  
  
• Consumers willingness to pay for olive oil with sustainability characteristics: a bibliometric analysis and directions for future research  
  by Veronica Marozzo, Antonio Crupi, Alessandra Costa, Tindara Abbate 
  Abstract: Organic foodstuffs have become the core sustainable alternative to conventional food consumption. Specifically, this change in consumer habits is even more evident concerning olive oil, considering the increased attention to the products quality and food security. This review aims to identify the state- of-the-art and research gaps in consumer willingness to pay (WTP) towards olive oil with sustainability characteristics by identifying the main trajectories through which the literature on the theme is developing and providing future research directions based on the analysis. In the study, 120 articles have been analysed via a mixed methodology based on a preliminary bibliometric analysis of the selected scientific contributions and a more fine-grained qualitative analysis of the contents. Three crucial research trajectories (i.e., the growing attention toward sustainability, the health, nutrition, and quality characteristics of olive oil, and the consumers behaviour concerning purchase attitude and perception of the importance of organic food) emerged.
  Keywords: sustainability; organic olive oil; willingness to pay; WTP; Mediterranean diet; bibliometric literature review; content analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2023.10058688
   
  
• The impact of the fashion blogosphere on Gen-Z female consumers, and the implications for improved communication approaches  
  by Myriam Caratù, Gianpaolo Vignali, Yue Chang, Daniella Ryding 
  Abstract: This study examines the expectations and characteristics of female Generation Z consumers in the context of Chinese social media marketing. It focuses on the impact of fashion blogging and develops communication strategies based on a theoretical framework, which consists of five dimensions: entertainment, interaction, trendiness, electronic word of mouth, and credibility. A quantitative survey was conducted using an Internet-based questionnaire, with 337 responses collected. After screening for female Generation Z participants aged 18 to 24, 202 valid responses were obtained. The questionnaire covered various aspects (including fashion blogging dimensions, decision-making factors, and purchase actions) and open-ended feedbacks. The findings indicate a positive relationship between fashion blogging and consumers' purchase decisions. Additionally, brand awareness, brand image, consumer attitudes, and purchase intentions mediate this relationship. These insights enable retailers to understand the behaviour of female Chinese Generation Z consumers and develop targeted communication strategies using blogs.
  Keywords: social media marketing; SMM; fashion blogging; blog; purchase decision; Generation Z; female consumers; consumers' decision-making; consumers' attitudes; consumers' belief; Chinese market.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2023.10058685
   
  
• Functional analysis of Indian technology transfer entities: a new measure of performance assessment  
  by Tripta Dixit, William Selvamurthy, Smita Sahu, Tungish Bansal 
  Abstract: The challenge of low translation rate of healthcare solutions is evident from the imbalance between R&D investment and commercialisable output, highlighting the need to examine the functioning of the existing technology transfer entities (TTEs) in healthcare sector. The diversity in the models adopted by TTEs poses challenges in the outcome-based evaluation of their performance. Therefore, we devised a comprehensive multi-criterion-based evaluation method consisting of 13 parameters to understand their performance efficiency and a total of 27 TTEs were evaluated. The results showed the effectiveness of parameters in devising a function and its significance in defining the performance of a TTE. Also, a correlation was observed between the highest performing TTEs and their output based on standard measurable deliverables. These TTEs showed strength in technology assessment, validation, scientist involvement, incubation, industry relations and technology transfer implementation. This approach can be utilised by evolving technology transfer ecosystems for performance assessment.
  Keywords: technology transfer; performance matrix; India; healthcare.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2023.10060765
   
  
• Do ICT blessings outweigh its impediments?: A narrative inquiry on Bangladesh's SMEs  
  by Nishath Anjum, Md. Saidur Rahaman 
  Abstract: The key to Bangladesh's economic advancement significantly relies on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study explores the blessings of information and communication technology (ICT) on SMEs in Bangladesh and investigates whether the blessings outweigh its impediments. Since the research problem is relatively unexplored in Bangladesh, the researchers used a narrative literature review to gather the relevant information through manual searching of electronic databases. The findings suggest that while there are numerous benefits of ICT, such as increased efficiency, cost reduction, and better access to markets, SMEs in Bangladesh also faces numerous impediments, such as the high cost of ICT infrastructure, lack of skilled human resources, and insufficient ICT policy frameworks. Despite the challenges, the blessings of ICT far outweigh its impediments. The Government of Bangladesh should implement policies to address SMEs' challenges in utilising ICT to its full potential. The implications of this study will enlighten policymakers, business owners, and other stakeholders to stimulate the usage of ICT in Bangladesh's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  Keywords: Bangladesh; benefit; ICT; impediments and SME.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2023.10060768
   
  

Special Issue on: BAVT-2019 Commercial Applications of Technology

• Potential factors influencing sports fan team identification  
  by Avtar Singh, Rahul Sharma 
  Abstract: The birth and growth of many different sports leagues in past decade had been witnessed by people in India. The sports sector in the country is one of the emerging sectors and is continuously experiencing number of developments. The increasing sports leagues' popularity and organising different sports in regular intervals deliver abundant opportunities in business for corporates. The purpose of this study is to identify factors motivating people to associate themselves with any sports league/leagues. The present study is quantitative in nature and a result of this study brings several different factors that would help the marketers to strategise and become more audience specific in their marketing activities.
  Keywords: sports league; factors; fans; identification; sports team/team.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2021.10058124