MILITATING FACTORS AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF 4IR IN PROCUREMENT: A DEVELOPING ECONOMIES’ PERSPECTIVE

Purpose: This paper explores the factors hindering the adoption of 41R in procurement in developing economies, with Zambia as the case study. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed an exploratory qualitative methodology approach. Data was collected through interviews with 13 Procurement Professionals purposively sampled from procurement departments in Zambia and later analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Seven factors emerged as key in limiting the adoption of 4IR, including: lack of finances, lack of trained personnel, culture, infrastructure, security, government support, and lack of stakeholder integration. Research Limitation: The present study did not collect quantitative data; instead, it focused on qualitative data. Future studies should use a mixed-methods design to leverage the benefits of both methods. Practical Implication: The findings of the current study are essential in informing policy formulation and organisational strategy for 4IR technology adoption. Social Implication: The government needs to implement policies and initiatives to bridge the digital divide, such as subsidising affordable internet access. Originality/Value: With the advent of 4IR, the need for data-driven decision-making is on the rise; however, few studies have examined the factors hindering the adoption of 4IR technologies in developing countries. The current study is among the first conducted in Zambia and thus provides relevant information necessary for 4IR adoption.