Management of technological innovation in emerging economies: A conceptual framework

Rendani Mamphiswana, Saurabh Sinha

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The previous industrial revolutions took jobs away, thus the income Gini coefficient widened and impacted emerging economies, like South Africa, even though the automation occurred in another part of the world. This is a reflection of the interconnected nature of today’s global economy. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterised by robotics and automation powered by artificial intelligence, is likely to widen both income and wealth Gini coefficient. The introduction of robotics and automation within current business models produces the same products faster and cheaper, and possibly with increased features or value-add to increase price–catering for the selected few, the elite. It is predicted that this techno-economics scenario will lead to exclusive and unsustainable growth. The Fourth Industrial Revolution cannot be left to its own devices in emerging economies, it must be carefully managed in an attempt to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. Left to its own devices, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is likely to worsen unemployment, poverty and inequality in emerging economies such as South Africa. This paper explores the development of an alternative scenario, geared towards inclusive and sustainable growth for emerging economies. The paper proposes a conceptual framework to guide emerging economies in the successful introduction of low cost–market creating–business models, capable of creating new and/or already existing affordable products and employment opportunities. The objective of the proposed conceptual framework is to strategically and gradually manage the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in emerging economies, in order to achieve an inclusive and sustainable growth. The proposed conceptual framework consist of six variables: technical knowledge; regional partnerships; understanding of the labour environment; firm capability; temporary employment; and knowledge transfer. The research followed a case study approach, and in relation to the wider ecosystem, the next phase of the research will test for correlations and causality among the variables composing the proposed conceptual framework. This paper contributes towards an improved understanding of central mechanisms for emerging economies to manage technology and move in the direction of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationManaging Technology for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth - 28th International Conference for the International Association of Management of Technology, IAMOT 2019
EditorsKaruna Jain, Shirish Sangle, Ruchita Gupta, Jinil Persis, Mukundan R.
PublisherExcel India Publishers
Pages20-31
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9789388237543
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Event28th International Conference for the International Association of Management of Technology: Managing Technology for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth, IAMOT 2019 - Mumbai, India
Duration: 7 Apr 201911 Apr 2019

Publication series

NameManaging Technology for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth - 28th International Conference for the International Association of Management of Technology, IAMOT 2019

Conference

Conference28th International Conference for the International Association of Management of Technology: Managing Technology for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth, IAMOT 2019
Country/TerritoryIndia
CityMumbai
Period7/04/1911/04/19

Keywords

  • Emerging Economies
  • Growth
  • Inclusive and Sustainable
  • Industrial Revolutions
  • Low Cost Business Models
  • Technological Innovation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management of Technology and Innovation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Management of technological innovation in emerging economies: A conceptual framework'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this