International Journal of Technology Management & Sustainable Development - Volume 23, Issue 2, 2024

As the second-largest city in Iran, Mashhad has a rich history in the gold industry. Mashhad’s gold and jewellery innovation ecosystem (MGJIE) is now at a stage of decline, and renewal or sharp decline cycles lie ahead. This article explores these two scenarios and their implications for the innovation ecosystems of this industry. The first objective is to imagine the future of the MGJIE using a normative approach and formulate policies to realize an optimistic future. The second objective is to investigate the pessimistic scenario and its implications for the ecosystem. The normative scenarios are created for a 2032 horizon using the back casting method. With regard to the second objective, the exploratory approach is used for the 2047 horizon. In both objectives, 46 questionnaires and fifteen interviews are used. In the normative scenario, nine drivers are identified. In the exploratory approach, three scenarios are formulated, while in the last scenario, with the occurrence of four steps of the renewal plan, improving the performance of the ecosystem is guaranteed. Innovation is a by-product of scenario thinking. The combined application of innovation ecosystem and scenario planning in the jewellery industry has not previously been the focus of research in Iran or other countries.

In its comprehensive sense, a technology goes beyond the hardware or system to include associated skills and knowledge. Whilst this definition has been acknowledged across the literature, there is a gap in practices reflected during technology transfer processes. This article aims to investigate measures that can be taken by technology providers and recipients to effectively incorporate knowledge and skills sharing during a technology transfer. Conceptual frameworks were developed and used to inform empirical research. The case study of the PEEPOWER technology is carried out to consolidate theory with practice. The PEEPOWER technology is illustrated on a ‘techberg’ showing all elements of the technology beyond the hardware. An insight into the level of effectiveness of the PEEPOWER transfer to Kisoro, Nairobi and Durban is obtained through a qualitative analysis of interview responses, by looking at the extent of knowledge sharing and the absorptive capacity of the technology recipient. The main recommendations are to (1) adopt a knowledge exchange approach as opposed to a unidirectional knowledge transfer from the technology provider to the technology recipient, (2) establish good relationships with local partners and develop a good understanding of the local context and (3) manage expectations about innovations and ensure intellectual property protection during knowledge exchange.

The dynamics of virtual work have become increasingly complex in the ever-changing digital ecosystem, seeking a comprehensive examination of the connections among social support, psychological empowerment (PE) and psychological well-being (PWB). The study explores the multifaceted dynamics present in virtual environments, with particular attention on how PE mediates these relationships and how social support influences PWB by investigating the employees of the IT sector working in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, a significant player of the global technology market, where remote and virtual work arrangements have been extensively employed. A survey was conducted using Google Docs, with 483 participants responding to personally administered questionnaires. The study’s conceptual framework was built upon the principles of self-determination theory (SDT) and the conservation of resources theory (COR). Confirmatory factor analysis and mediation analysis through structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques were utilized to evaluate the measurement model’s validity and explore the relation among variables. The results highlight the significance of social support in improving employees’ PWB in virtual work situations. Furthermore, the study indicates the existence of direct relationship between social support and well-being, as well as the mediating role of PE. The study reveals that impact, competence and self-determination act as intermediary factors, suggesting their capacity to facilitate the impact of social support on PWB.

The current work draws comparisons with stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory and provides a pertinent levering comprehension for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Indian automobile industry, by investigating consumers’ attitude towards electric vehicles (EVs) offered by them. Four factors, (1) ostentatious (conspicuous) consumption, (2) ecological behaviour, (3) utilitarian shopping values and (4) lifestyle, have been accounted for, in this regard. Additionally, the study looks at how this mindset affects Indian customers’ intentions to consistently use EVs (offered by SMEs). A sample of 382 Indian owners of EVs provided information via a standardized questionnaire. To make conclusions from the obtained data, the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was applied. According to the findings, only utilitarian shopping value – one of the four antecedents – has no discernible correlation with attitudes towards EVs that Indian SMEs sell. Also, the study provides evidence that attitude positively relates with continuous intention to use EVs.