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CONTEXT: Precision weeding, a sector of agricultural technology in which drones and/or automated weeders use chemical, mechanical, or thermal means to eradicate weeds, has moved from academic research settings to commercialization. Because of labor shortage pressures, the push to gain competitive advantages, and the environmental impacts of excessive chemical inputs, many California growers have been interested in adopting precision weeding technologies in their operations. OBJECTIVE: Using semi-structured qualitative interviews, this study investigated the viewpoints of three key stakeholder groups involved in the diffusion and adoption of precision weeding technologies: California growers, precision weeding startups, and agricultural technology venture capital firms. With the supplemental viewpoints of large agricultural firms and their corporate venture capital arms and government agencies, this study seeks to understand the compatible motivations between stakeholders, current collaborative models between stakeholders and their limitations, and the user journey for growers adopting precision weeding technology. METHODS: We conducted 17 semi-structured qualitative interviews with diverse stakeholders in the precision weeding sector to gather textual data and gain high data saturation. Data collection balanced rigorous criteria for participant selection with adaptive interview questions to ensure depth and relevance. The analysis procedure involved coding and thematic framework development, complemented by grounded theory for iterative data examination and stakeholder map creation for distilling cross-organizational insights and stakeholder dynamics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that compatible motivations include addressing current labor issues, reducing costs, and the potential of precision weeding to transform agriculture. Less cited but still popular motivations included having more weeding options, meeting specific field needs, and environmental sustainability. The individual and stakeholder group cognitive maps demonstrated that concerns such as startup longevity, the high expenses of precision weeding machinery, and some startups lacking a direct connection to growers commonly limit the growers' adoption of precision weeding technologies. SIGNIFICANCE: The procedure and cognitive mapping presented in this study can be applied to other emerging agtech technologies and ecosystems.

In pursuit of net-zero greenhouse gases emissions goals, Nigeria faces challenges like fossil fuel dependence, environmental degradation and energy inefficiency, necessitating a transition to decarbonization. This study employs the Bass model and TOPSIS multi-criteria analysis to investigate the diffusion and ranking of low/zero-carbon technologies for Nigeria. Findings reveal: absence of key mitigation technologies like wind, concentrating solar plant (CSP), geothermal, nuclear, hydrogen, fuel cell, carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS), direct air capture (DAC), and lime soda in Nigeria; that over a fifty-year span from year 2023, existing technologies–solar photovoltaic, bioenergy, natural gas and hydro–in Nigeria indicate slow adoption rates (3.68–106.02MW) based on Nigeria trajectory of technology use, contrasting with significantly accelerated rates (276.06–90,320MW) based on global trajectory; and multi-criteria analysis favors hydro, solar photovoltaic, natural gas, bioenergy, and wind as favorable options, while suggesting further exploration of hydrogen, fuel cell, geothermal, and nuclear technologies within Nigeria's energy landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome editing (GE) technology holds significant promise for advancements in crop development and medical applications. However, public acceptance of GE in Japan remains uncertain. This study aimed to examine how knowledge impacts public acceptance of GE technology, focusing on differences across diffusion stages and application purposes. Using ordinary least squares regression on repeated survey data collected from 2018 to 2023 in Japan (n = 6,234), we investigated the influence of knowledge on support for GE in consumer benefits, producer benefits, and medical technology. Our findings revealed that the effect of knowledge on technology acceptance has strengthened over time. Consumers with greater knowledge of GE are increasingly supportive of its advancement, emphasizing the growing importance of information as the technology becomes more widespread. This research highlights the role of transparent policy discussions in fostering public trust and support, thereby promoting the successful integration of new technologies into society.

With the increasing share of renewable energy in the grid and the enhanced flexibility of the future power system, it is imperative for thermal power companies to explore alternative strategies. The flexible transformation of thermal power units is an effective strategy to address the previously mentioned challenges; however, the factors influencing the diffusion of this technology merit further investigation, yet they have been seldom examined by scholars. To address this gap, this issue is examined using an evolutionary game model of multi-agent complex networks, and a more realistic group structure is established through heterogeneous group differentiation. With factors such as group relationships, diffusion paths, compensation electricity prices, and subsidy intensities as variables, several diffusion scenarios are developed for research purposes. The results indicate that when upper-level enterprises influence the decision-making of lower-level enterprises, technology diffusion is significantly accelerated, and enhanced communication among thermal power enterprises further promotes diffusion. Among thermal power enterprises, leveraging large and medium-sized enterprises to promote the flexibility transformation of units proves to be an effective strategy. With regard to factors like the compensation price for depth peak shaving, the initial application ratio of groups, and the intensity of government subsidies, the compensation price emerges as the key factor. Only with a high compensation price can the other two factors effectively contribute to promoting technology diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing energy poverty is integral to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and clean energy technology serves as an essential tool in mitigating this issue. Existing studies pay less attention to the correlation between the two. In this study, we quantify the spread of clean energy technology using patent citation information and analyze balanced panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning the years 2004 to 2019. The findings reveal that the diffusion of clean energy technology not only directly reduces energy poverty but also indirectly alleviates it by enhancing energy efficiency and fostering employment. However, the positive impact of technology on poverty is affected by human capital. Specifically, when the number of college students per 10,000 people in a province surpasses 179, technology diffusion becomes effective in alleviating energy poverty. Furthermore, the efficacy of this mitigation varies significantly based on different regions. Technologies originating from developed economies such as the United States, Japan, and the European Union exhibit a more substantial impact than domestic alternatives. Additionally, the effect of alleviating energy poverty is more significant in the eastern region. Therefore, we make policy recommendations for alleviating energy poverty through the use of incentive policies, exploring differentiated models of clean energy technology development, and strengthening international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a relatively practical technology that has emerged as electric vehicle technology has gradually matured. The analysis of the HEV patent lifecycle is crucial for understanding its impact on the development of this technology. This lifecycle tracks the progress of HEV technologies from their inception and patenting, through their market adoption, and to the expiration of their patent protection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the technology lifecycle of the HEV industry using the growth S-curve method. The purpose of this study is to describe the technological lifecycle trajectory and current stage of the HEV industry, as well as the technical stages of each sub-technology, to facilitate better decision making. As part of this study, we used patent family data collected from the Derwent Innovation Index database from 1975 to 2022 and established an S-curve model for HEVs and their sub-technologies using logistic regression. In 2022, the technological maturity of HEVs reached 44%. The sub-technologies with the most substantial diffusion capabilities are energy management, propulsion systems, and cooling circuits. According to predictions, the saturation period for the patent family quantity related to HEVs is estimated to be around 53 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabricated construction (PC) technology diffusion, as a key to promoting PC, has attracted increasing attention from academia and industry in recent years. The diffusion of PC technology mainly stems from the coupling effect of multiple influencing factors, especially the multi-agent synergy. This study is to explore the multi-dimensional influencing factors and their coupling paths for the diffusion of PC technology, from a multi-agent synergy perspective. First, six critical factors identified through literature review are divided into three dimensions. Further, fourteen theoretical hypotheses are proposed for the interactions of these factors and their impacts on the diffusion of PC technology, highlighting the role of multi-agent synergy. Then, an empirical research method based on partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and questionnaire survey data were used to reveal the relationship between the influencing factors and the coupling path of PC technology diffusion. The findings suggest that organization strength (with the highest influence) and technology cooperation have positive effects, while technology investment has a negative effect, on PC technology diffusion. Both market competition and industry development play indirect roles on PC technology diffusion via technology investment, without direct effects. Government intervention positively moderates the path from technology investment and organizational strength to PC technology diffusion, respectively, with the strongest moderating effect between government intervention and organization strength. This study contributes to scientifically planning the diffusion of PC technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship network between enterprises will change their adoption behavior of AI technology and this micro-decision-making mechanism will eventually decide whether AI technology can diffuse and the extent of diffusion on the macro level. However, the existing AI technology diffusion research mostly focuses on the integration of AI technology with other industries from the industrial level, ignoring the complexity of the micro-complex game process and interactions within the enterprise network on the macro technology diffusion. In this regard, this paper builds a game model of AI technology diffusion in core and non-core enterprises from the levels of market competition and policy incentives based on complex network evolutionary game theory. It does this through simulation analysis that examines the mechanism of key factors affecting the diffusion of AI technology, as well as the influence and combination effects of pertinent policies. The study shows that (1) AI technology diffuses more effectively in non-core enterprises than it does in core enterprises; (2) changes in parameters like technology cost and policy regimes have a more evident impact on core enterprises than non-core ones; (3) in market competition, increasing the network average degree, the proportion of AI technology products in the mainstream market, the opportunity cost, the cost reduction factor, or decreasing the cost of AI technology can all promote the diffusion of AI technology; (4) under policy incentives, increasing the proportion of AI technology subsidies and the influence of high-tech identification of enterprises can both promote the diffusion of AI technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergence/divergence debate and plausible explanations to the process of catching-up remain highly controversial research areas in growth economics. Recently, these issues have been the subject of questionable predictions with regard future prospect for backward countries, raising concerns about the right direction of macroeconomic policy. To explore these issues, a sample of 131 countries is studied over the 1950s–2010s to identify those that have managed to catching-up, remain stagnant, or keep lagging further behind. Time-distance to the frontier and productivity decompositions, based on non-parametric methods, suggest that some countries have successfully completed already the caching-up, and it would take between 27 and 194 years for others to do so in the most optimistic scenario. But many others would never do. Policy implications drawn from the comparative analysis suggests the need to strengthen local innovation in order to increase the ability to catching-up alongside widespread reliance on technology diffusion from abroad.

To achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through negative emission technologies (NETs) will play an integral part. With renewable energy technologies (RETs), there has already been the introduction and expansion of a clean technology that faced similar obstacles as NETs—high up-front costs, limited competitiveness, and low public perception. This article compares NET policy proposals with the lessons learned from RET support. For NETs, the use of R&D support for innovation is unequivocal due to its nascency, yet the demand-pull instrument differs whether NETs are used as an alternative mitigation strategy, as a bridging technology or as a last resort. As an alternative mitigation method, a market-based approach by integrating NETs into emission trading systems is applicable because the use of NETs has no additional environmental benefit compared to abatement. Using NETs as a bridging technology requires restricting the demand for NETs to control the volume, and possibly type of NETs. This can be achieved via mandates or auctions. As a last resort, the removal via NETs requires heavy state involvement as emission removal constitutes a pure public good. This warrants public procurement or even state-led NET operation.

ABSTRACTIn pursuit of net-zero greenhouse gases emissions goals, Nigeria faces challenges like fossil fuel dependence, environmental degradation and energy inefficiency, necessitating a transition to decarbonization. This study employs the Bass model and TOPSIS multi-criteria analysis to investigate the diffusion and ranking of low/zero-carbon technologies for Nigeria. Findings reveal: absence of key mitigation technologies like wind, concentrating solar plant (CSP), geothermal, nuclear, hydrogen, fuel cell, carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS), direct air capture (DAC), and lime soda in Nigeria; that over a fifty-year span from year 2023, existing technologies–solar photovoltaic, bioenergy, natural gas and hydro–in Nigeria indicate slow adoption rates (3.68–106.02MW) based on Nigeria trajectory of technology use, contrasting with significantly accelerated rates (276.06–90,320MW) based on global trajectory; and multi-criteria analysis favors hydro, solar photovoltaic, natural gas, bioenergy, and wind as favorable options, while suggesting further exploration of hydrogen, fuel cell, geothermal, and nuclear technologies within Nigeria's energy landscape.

Truck platooning pertains to virtually coupling trucks to cut aerodynamic drag. Despite its many benefits, the dynamics of the trucking industry in adopting this technology is not well understood. In this paper, we investigate the dynamics and particularly the impact of the presence of a matching platform on platooning technology diffusion. On the qualitative side, two positive feedback loops and a larger encompassing feedback loop are unveiled. On the quantitative side, tailored system dynamics models (SDMs) are developed to quantify the feedback loops and technology diffusion evolution. We demonstrate use of the SDMs by applying them to the US trucking industry. We find that having a matching platform can significantly accelerate the platooning technology adoption. The fuel and labor savings also substantially differ with a platform. The findings help inform decision- and policy-making towards more coordinated and beneficial truck platooning technology adoption and operations, thereby improving sustainability of freight transportation.

The widespread adoption of distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation technologies among electricity consumers is a crucial factor in enabling the power system's low-carbon transition. While extensive research has explored consumers' willingness to adopt this technology, prior studies have primarily focused on static psychological factors. This study, however, takes a heterogeneous behavioral perspective by examining the dynamic effects of individual behavioral interactions on technology diffusion. Utilizing behavior-driven simulation technology, we developed a diffusion model pertaining to photovoltaic power generation technology. The model enhances the explanatory capacity and predictive accuracy of subjects' behavioral choices by quantifying the effects of adoption scale and external economic interventions. Our simulation results indicate that residential environment constraints, resulting from individual behavioral differences, can influence the diffusion potential of technology. Furthermore, non-mandatory promotion methods are more effective in enhancing user adoption willingness. Interestingly, we found that free installation interventions tend to reduce the diffusion effect in later stages and should not be implemented in isolation. These insights can contribute to enhancing the diffusion of distributed PV power generation technology and furthering the development of low-carbon electricity.

A model is proposed where economic growth is driven by innovation alongside the diffusion and adoption of technology from the frontier. Innovation investments are related to households savings, which generates multiple equilibria with low and high levels of innovation and productivity. Low-level equilibria are unstable. Starting from a position with low levels of investment and innovation, increasing investments are associated with high but decreasing dependence on international technology diffusion. A major objective of policy-making is to increase investment sufficiently in the lower end to reach the high-level steady state. An economic rationale is provided for the existence of productivity improving equilibria, where distance to the frontier is reduced based on a tax and subsidy mechanism designed to boost innovation and speed up catching-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and communication technology has been identified as a viable means of addressing the societal issue of disconnection among e-democracy participants. Apart from the ongoing normative debate concerning the potential of information and communication technology to facilitate e-democratic processes, much research has been dedicated to examining the broad spectrum of specific e-democracy tools that have been multi-disciplinary and fragmented in recent years. Remarkably, however, the potential of technology diffusion and its impact on implementing e-democracy in cyberspace has not yet received adequate attention. The key issue for the sustainability of e-democracy is technology accessibility, which is also a central factor in technology diffusion. This systematic literature review seeks to structure and systematise the literature on the different phases of e-democracy implementation technology diffusion (adoption, implementation, and institutionalisation) and levels of analysis (macro, meso, and micro) with the aims of, firstly, mapping the current field of e-democracy technology diffusion research and, secondly, providing a unique study for use in future research. The analysis indicated that researchers have primarily focused on the adoption and implementation stages, as well as the external information and communication technology environment at the macro level and the organisational level at the meso level within public administrations. In general, this review highlights major gaps in the current literature and proposes viable avenues for further research.

This study aims to create a diffusion model for the diffusion of Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology in the mobile payment system in Iran. NFC technology is one of the technological applications that is spreading worldwide daily and being used in various industries. In recent years, the country's banking system has tried implementing it in electronic payments based on cell phones, but it has not yielded results. The study's statistical population is everyone over 18 who can use the banking system. It is an applied and mixed study (quantitative and qualitative) using a system dynamics approach. The results are summarized in four scenarios, with the fourth scenario providing the best results. By implementing this scenario, accompanied by an increase in contact rate, education and culture, and legal infrastructure, the growth of NFC technology among users of mobile phone-based payment systems in the country can be increased to an acceptable level.

This study aims to create a diffusion model for the diffusion of Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology in the mobile payment system in Iran. NFC technology is one of the technological applications that is spreading worldwide daily and being used in various industries. In recent years, the country's banking system has tried implementing it in electronic payments based on cell phones, but it has not yielded results. The study's statistical population is everyone over 18 who can use the banking system. It is an applied and mixed study (quantitative and qualitative) using a system dynamics approach. The results are summarized in four scenarios, with the fourth scenario providing the best results. By implementing this scenario, accompanied by an increase in contact rate, education and culture, and legal infrastructure, the growth of NFC technology among users of mobile phone-based payment systems in the country can be increased to an acceptable level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an environment of accelerating technological change and increasing digitalization, firms need to adopt new technologies faster than ever before to stay competitive. This paper examines whether updates of education curricula help to bring new technologies faster into firms' workplaces. We study technology changes and curriculum updates from an early wave of digitalization (i.e., computer-numerically controlled machinery, computer-aided design, and desktop publishing software). We take a text-as-data approach and tap into two novel data sources to measure change in educational content and the use of technology at the workplace: first, vocational education curricula and, second, firms' job advertisements. To examine the causal effects of adding new technology skills to curricula on the diffusion of these technologies in firms' workplaces (measured by job advertisements), we use an event study design. Our results show that curriculum updates substantially shorten the time it takes for new technologies to arrive in firms' workplaces, especially for mainstream firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the key anchors of the National Innovation System shaping the nature of collaboration between academic high-performance computing centres (academic HPC centres) and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working in the automotive and electronics sectors of the Danube region. With two main research questions, it discusses the importance of knowledge transfer and technology transfer for collaboration between University and Industry (U-I collaboration) in three groups of developmentally distinct countries: competitively advanced, competitively intermediate and competitively lagging. As main anchors of the innovation system, stable legal environment, exciting innovation policies and strong R&D funding are recognised. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative empirical study in 14 Danube region countries included 92 focus group participants, expert representatives of academic HPC centres and SMEs. The data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed. Findings – The findings show the main prerequisites of the framework conditions for efficient U-I collaboration evolve through a goal-oriented National Innovation Policy and developed and functioning legal environment supporting labour market and intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement. Additionally, skilled people are needed to be able to operate with HPC, where it seems all the countries lack such skilled workforce. In competitively lagging countries, the high levels of brain drain exhibit strong impact to U-I collaboration. Research limitations/implications – Research into relationships between academic HPC centres and SMEs conducted was qualitative; therefore, limitations in terms of generalisation arise from it. On the other hand, the research is promising in terms of offering the guidance for policy makers who can use the findings when delivering innovation policy mix, adjusted to developmental level of own innovation ecosystem. Originality/value – The study is among the pioneering work in U-I collaboration between academic HPC centres and SMEs from automotive and electronics industries in the Danube region. The research addresses the dynamics of collaboration and offers policy implications to strengthen the particular U-I collaboration. 研究目的 – 本文旨在探究國家創新系統的主要支柱; 這些支柱決定了學術性的高速網路與計算中心 (註: 此為直譯) (以下簡稱學術高網算中心) 與於多瑙河地區的汽車製造業和電子產品行業內營運的中小型企業之間的合作性質。本文透過兩條主要的研究問題、去探討知識轉移和技術轉讓對大學與產業界之間的合作的重要性而這些產業是屬於在發展階段上三個明顯不同的國家組別裏的這三個組別是 競爭先進的、競爭性中級的和競爭落後的。穩定的法律環境、令人興奮的創新政策和強大的研究與開發資金被認為是創新系統的三個主要支柱。 研究設計 – 研究人員在14個位於多瑙河地區的國家裏進行一個質性觀察研究研究涵蓋92個焦點小組參與者、來自學術高網算中心和中小型企業的專家代表。有關的數據被錄音繼而被轉寫下來最後被分析。 研究結果 – 研究結果顯示效率高的大學產業界合作的框架條件的主要先決條件是透過一個以目標為導向的國家創新政策而逐漸形成繼而發展起來; 另外所需的條件是一個支援勞工市場、保障知識產權、並執行有關的法律的正常運作的法律環境。其次若想與學術高網算中心一起工作技術人才是必須的因學術高網算中心內的所有國家似乎欠缺技術勞動力。在落後於競爭對手的國家裏高度的人才外流對大學與產業界之間的合作會產生重大的影響。 研究的局限/啟示 – 由於研究採用的研究方法為質性研究法故研究結果、就普遍化的歸納而言是有其局限的。唯研究結果在實務方面有其作用因政策制定者在推行與科技進步與對策有關的策略時他們可把研究結果作為指引就其自身創新生態系統的發展水準而作出適當的調整。 研究的原創性/價值 – 本研究探討涉及學術高網算中心與於多瑙河地區的汽車製造業和電子產品行業內營運的中小型企業之間合作的大學產業界合作就此而言可說是開創性研究之一。本研究探究有關的大學產業界合作的變革動力並為政策制定者提供啟示以能強化有關的合作。

With the increasing share of renewable energy in the grid and the enhanced flexibility of the future power system, it is imperative for thermal power companies to explore alternative strategies. The flexible transformation of thermal power units is an effective strategy to address the previously mentioned challenges; however, the factors influencing the diffusion of this technology merit further investigation, yet they have been seldom examined by scholars. To address this gap, this issue is examined using an evolutionary game model of multi-agent complex networks, and a more realistic group structure is established through heterogeneous group differentiation. With factors such as group relationships, diffusion paths, compensation electricity prices, and subsidy intensities as variables, several diffusion scenarios are developed for research purposes. The results indicate that when upper-level enterprises influence the decision-making of lower-level enterprises, technology diffusion is significantly accelerated, and enhanced communication among thermal power enterprises further promotes diffusion. Among thermal power enterprises, leveraging large and medium-sized enterprises to promote the flexibility transformation of units proves to be an effective strategy. With regard to factors like the compensation price for depth peak shaving, the initial application ratio of groups, and the intensity of government subsidies, the compensation price emerges as the key factor. Only with a high compensation price can the other two factors effectively contribute to promoting technology diffusion.

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a relatively practical technology that has emerged as electric vehicle technology has gradually matured. The analysis of the HEV patent lifecycle is crucial for understanding its impact on the development of this technology. This lifecycle tracks the progress of HEV technologies from their inception and patenting, through their market adoption, and to the expiration of their patent protection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the technology lifecycle of the HEV industry using the growth S-curve method. The purpose of this study is to describe the technological lifecycle trajectory and current stage of the HEV industry, as well as the technical stages of each sub-technology, to facilitate better decision making. As part of this study, we used patent family data collected from the Derwent Innovation Index database from 1975 to 2022 and established an S-curve model for HEVs and their sub-technologies using logistic regression. In 2022, the technological maturity of HEVs reached 44%. The sub-technologies with the most substantial diffusion capabilities are energy management, propulsion systems, and cooling circuits. According to predictions, the saturation period for the patent family quantity related to HEVs is estimated to be around 53 years.

The relationship network between enterprises will change their adoption behavior of AI technology and this micro-decision-making mechanism will eventually decide whether AI technology can diffuse and the extent of diffusion on the macro level. However, the existing AI technology diffusion research mostly focuses on the integration of AI technology with other industries from the industrial level, ignoring the complexity of the micro-complex game process and interactions within the enterprise network on the macro technology diffusion. In this regard, this paper builds a game model of AI technology diffusion in core and non-core enterprises from the levels of market competition and policy incentives based on complex network evolutionary game theory. It does this through simulation analysis that examines the mechanism of key factors affecting the diffusion of AI technology, as well as the influence and combination effects of pertinent policies. The study shows that (1) AI technology diffuses more effectively in non-core enterprises than it does in core enterprises; (2) changes in parameters like technology cost and policy regimes have a more evident impact on core enterprises than non-core ones; (3) in market competition, increasing the network average degree, the proportion of AI technology products in the mainstream market, the opportunity cost, the cost reduction factor, or decreasing the cost of AI technology can all promote the diffusion of AI technology; (4) under policy incentives, increasing the proportion of AI technology subsidies and the influence of high-tech identification of enterprises can both promote the diffusion of AI technology.

US nurseries are experiencing a workforce shortage that is expected to intensify. A mixed-mode survey of decision-makers representing the US nursery industry was conducted in 2021. The survey assessed practices used in 2020 to elicit a better understanding of nursery approaches to the challenges presented by persistent labor scarcity. We compare our results with survey data collected ~15 years earlier at container nurseries. Survey responses revealed that nurseries were undertaking strategies that aimed to improve production efficiency, better recruit and retain employees, and secure other sources of labor to overcome this shortage. Specifically, more than 65% of surveyed US nurseries increased worker wages, and more than 55% of respondents adopted automation to address the labor shortage. Strategies in use by $23% of respondents may limit future growth or jeopardize long-term nursery survival. These include diversifying tasks of current employees, reducing production of labor-intensive plants, or delaying expansion plans. Survey results suggested that production tasks excluding irrigation were on average 31% automated or mechanized at container nurseries, an increase from 16% during the prior survey. Field nurseries were 35% automated or mechanized in 2020. Newly developed or yet-to-be developed automated and mechanized technology (AMT) that decision-makers perceive as being helpful were reported. This article explores linkages between nursery characteristics and AMT adoption and highlights research and extension programming initiatives that are needed to help growers make informed decisions regarding adopting automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the heterogeneity of international productivity spillover by applying spatial production models with various weight matrices. Specifically, the direction and magnitude of productivity spillover through the channel of import flow is examined empirically by dividing the sample countries into three groups: the Group of 7 (G7), the G12 (the 12 countries that belong to the G20 but not the G7), and the non-G20 (the rest of the countries in our sample). The empirical findings are as follows: (i) international productivity spillovers are significantly heterogeneous, (ii) the G7 triggers productivity spillover but does not benefit from productivity spillover from the rest of the world, (iii) the non-G20 accommodates positive productivity spillover from the G20 countries, and (iv) the G12 does not trigger spillover toward G7 nor benefit from G7, whereas the G12 and the non-G20 have ambidirectional productivity spillover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address global sustainability challenges, (public) policy interventions are needed to induce or accelerate technological change. While most policy interventions occur on the local level, their innovation effects can spill over to other jurisdictions, potentially having global impact. These spillovers can increase or reduce the incentive for interventions. Lacking to date are computational models that capture these spillover dynamics. Here, we devise a conceptual and methodological approach to quantify ex ante the effects of local demand-side interventions on global competition between incumbent and novel technologies. We introduce two factors that moderate global spillovers--relative size of selection environments and relative innovation potential of competing technologies. Our approach incorporates both factors in a techno-economic discrete choice model that evaluates technology competition over time through endogenized technological learning. We apply this modeling framework to the case of road freight. Different demand-pull interventions and shocks are modeled to assess spillover effects. In the case of road freight, electric vehicles experience growth in most application segments but can still be accelerated substantially through public policy intervention--spillovers occur if strong public interventions are introduced in large regions or in multiple combined regions under club policy interventions. These findings are discussed in the context of club policy interventions and a modeled geopolitical shock in China. A full sensitivity analysis of model input parameters and intervention or shock dynamics reveals high model robustness. Finally, we discuss the implications of the road-freight case study as it might inform the progress of other niche technologies in transitioning sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the heterogeneity of international productivity spillover by applying spatial production models with various weight matrices. Specifically, the direction and magnitude of productivity spillover through the channel of import flow is examined empirically by dividing the sample countries into three groups: the Group of 7 (G7), the G12 (the 12 countries that belong to the G20 but not the G7), and the non-G20 (the rest of the countries in our sample). The empirical findings are as follows: (i) international productivity spillovers are significantly heterogeneous, (ii) the G7 triggers productivity spillover but does not benefit from productivity spillover from the rest of the world, (iii) the non-G20 accommodates positive productivity spillover from the G20 countries, and (iv) the G12 does not trigger spillover toward G7 nor benefit from G7, whereas the G12 and the non-G20 have ambidirectional productivity spillover.

US nurseries are experiencing a workforce shortage that is expected to intensify. A mixed-mode survey of decision-makers representing the US nursery industry was conducted in 2021. The survey assessed practices used in 2020 to elicit a better understanding of nursery approaches to the challenges presented by persistent labor scarcity. We compare our results with survey data collected ∼15 years earlier at container nurseries. Survey responses revealed that nurseries were undertaking strategies that aimed to improve production efficiency, better recruit and retain employees, and secure other sources of labor to overcome this shortage. Specifically, more than 65% of surveyed US nurseries increased worker wages, and more than 55% of respondents adopted automation to address the labor shortage. Strategies in use by ≥23% of respondents may limit future growth or jeopardize long-term nursery survival. These include diversifying tasks of current employees, reducing production of labor-intensive plants, or delaying expansion plans. Survey results suggested that production tasks excluding irrigation were on average 31% automated or mechanized at container nurseries, an increase from 16% during the prior survey. Field nurseries were 35% automated or mechanized in 2020. Newly developed or yet-to-be developed automated and mechanized technology (AMT) that decision-makers perceive as being helpful were reported. This article explores linkages between nursery characteristics and AMT adoption and highlights research and extension programming initiatives that are needed to help growers make informed decisions regarding adopting automation.

The Capital Economic Circle (CEC) is one economic growth pole and occupies important position in China. However, imbalance of allocation of technological resources leads to heterogeneous industrial productivity and economic development in the CEC. To analyze and solve this problem, we combined input-output and network methods to explore structural defects of technology diffusion system of CEC and effective measures to promote industrial technology synergy and integrated development. Firstly, the principles of Multi-Regional Industrial Technology Flow Tree (MR-ITFT) modelling and methods were proposed. Secondly, the structural indexes and the effect indicators including technology spillover and absorption intensity, and spillover and absorption multiplier were designed based on MR-ITFT, which were applied to identify structural defects of industrial system and its effects on technology diffusion. The empirical research shows that heterization and polarization, imbalance of supply and demand, non-integrated vertical function, and centralization and convergence in industrial technology system are structural factors that interferes the circulation of technology flow, and further was reflected in the reduced, inverse and unstable structural effects. Contradiction between low return and high demand of technology investment results in an unsustainable circulation system of CEC. Construction of industrial technology system with high integration and cooperation was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Patella fractures account for approximately 1% of all skeletal injuries. Treatment options are vast and no definitive conclusion on what option is the most beneficial could be made so far. Plate osteosynthesis appears to gain in importance. We aim to give insight into the more recent trends and developments as well as establish the epidemiology of patella fractures in Germany by analysing treatment and epidemiological data from a national database. Methods Anonymised data was retrieved form a national database. In the period of 2006 to 2020, all patients with patella fractures as defined in ICD-10 GM as their main diagnosis, who were treated in a German hospital were included. Patients were divided into subgroups based on gender and age. Age groups were created in 10-year intervals from 20 years old up to 80 years old with one group each encompassing all those above the age of 80 years old and below 20 years old and younger. Linear regression was performed were possible to determine statistical significance of possible trends. Results A total of 151,435 patellar fractures were reported. 95,221 surgical interventions were performed. Women were about 1.5 times more likely to suffer from patella fracture than men. The relative number of surgical interventions rose from about 50% in 2006 to 75% in 2020. Most surgical interventions are performed in those over the age of 50. The incidence of complex fractures and plate osteosynthesis has significantly increased throughout the analysed period. Conclusions We found a clear trend for surgical treatment in Germany with an increase in surgical procedures. We could also show that this ratio is age-related, making it more likely for younger patients in the age groups from 0 to 70 years old to receive surgical treatment for their patella fracture.

Brick manufacturing sector is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in South Asian countries. This study investigates barriers and drivers relevant to the adoption of cleaner zig-zag kiln (ZZK) technology in Punjab, Pakistan by surveying 63 kiln owners. These survey respondents owned three different types of brick kiln i.e., ZZK, Fixed chimney bull’s trench kiln (FCBTK), and clamp type kiln (CTK). Roger’s model of innovation diffusion was adopted to access the determinants pertaining to relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability. Survey questionnaire included questions related to 35 factors (20 drivers and 15 barriers) and responses were recorded on Likert scale. These barrier and drivers covered variety of factors associated with regulatory, financial, technological, social, and environmental issues that may influence the perception and decision of kiln owners for the adoption of cleaner ZZK technology. Our results show that most important drivers pertain to economic benefits such as emissions fine reduction, decrease in fuel costs and year-round operations. Other high impact drivers relate to compatibility and similarity between ZZK and FCBTK construction and operations. Top-ranked barriers highlight the challenges associated with financial burden of retrofitting cost, higher salaries demanded by skilled workers, and maintenance issues for blower assembly. Mean scores for the determinants pertaining to the attributes of Roger’s model were computed. Our results show that both relative advantage and compatibility received highest mean scores. On the other hand, trialability and observability received lowest scores. Government, policy makers and other relevant stakeholders should focus on awareness campaigns, capacity building and training of labor, and developing financial instruments to provide loans to kiln owners for covering retrofit costs.

The iron and steel industry is a large emitter of CO2 globally. This is especially true for the iron and steel industries in China, Japan, and Korea due to their production volumes and the prevalence of carbon-based steel production. With few low-carbon and commercially available alternatives, the iron and steel industry is truly a hard-to-abate sector. Each of the countries of interest have committed to a net-zero future involving the mitigation of emissions from steel production. However, few studies have investigated the means by which to achieve decarbonization beyond the inclusion of price signalling policies (e.g., carbon tax or emission trading schemes). Here, we use E3ME-FTT:Steel to simulate technology diffusion in the ISI under several policy environments and we investigate the likely impacts on the wider economy. The results show that penalizing carbon intensive processes can incentivize a transition towards scrap recycling, but it is relatively unsuccessful in aiding the uptake of low carbon primary steelmaking. A combination of support and penalizing policies can achieve deep decarbonisation (>80% emission reduction compared with the baseline). Mitigating the emissions in the iron and steel industry can lead to economic benefits in terms of GDP (China: +0.8%; Japan: +1.3%; Korea: +0.1%), and employment (Japan: +0.7%; Korea: +0.3%) with China, where job losses in the coal sector would negate job gains elsewhere, as the exception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet, which was introduced to the Indian public in the mid-1990s, has become the dominant means of communication and revolutionizing the communication environment like nothing before. As a result, Internet demand in India is increasing at a tremendous rate; in the year 2019-20 alone, 190 million new Internet users were added. Due to this, Internet-penetration in the country surpassed the mark of 40 percent in the same year. The main aim of this paper is to assess the pattern and rate of diffusion of the Internet in India in order to contribute towards the larger dialogue on managing the services and evaluating the impact of Internet on various aspects of socio-economic dimensions in India. The study uses S-shaped growth curve models, logistic, Gompertz, and simple modified exponential ones, for the same. We find that India is likely to achieve universal Internet access by the year 2028-29. Thus, 2028-29 may be a turning point in the socio-economic trajectory of the country. Further results, implications and future research scope are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the extent to which climate change adaptation and green technology diffusion serve as key drivers for green growth. Additionally, the study examines the influence of various economic, environmental, and social factors on green growth. Utilizing an annual panel dataset comprising 38 OECD member countries from 1990 to 2020, a series of dynamic panel data models are estimated using the system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach. The empirical results provide novel and robust evidence that the diffusion of green technology and climate change adaptation exert a significant positive influence on green growth. Furthermore, the findings highlight the significant role played by macroeconomic, institutional, social, and government policy-related factors in promoting green growth. These insights have substantial policy implications for the development and implementation of strategies that encourage climate change adaptation and green innovation. As a result, policymakers should prioritize the integration of green technology and climate change adaptation measures in their sustainable development agendas to foster a greener, more resilient future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the well-documented benefits and encouraging policy environment for blockchain technology (BT), its extensive adoption in the construction industry is still unsolved. The interorganizational diffusion of BT is not explored in existing studies, requiring a comprehensive investigation for better government policymaking. Thus, from the technology diffusion perspective, this paper proposes an evolutionary game-based system dynamics (EG-SD) model to describe the complicated relationships between government and construction enterprises in the process of BT adoption. Through theoretical analysis, the main stakeholders, influencing factors, and diffusion channels in the process of BT adoption are identified. Further, a simulation collecting data from China's construction industry is conducted to evaluate the diffusion performance under different scenarios. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a quantitative perspective for understanding BT adoption behaviors among construction enterprises and revealing the diffusion mechanism of BT from a multilevel perspective. Also, this paper for the first time combines evolutionary game theory with system dynamics into explaining BT adoption, providing practical implications to both government and construction enterprises on policymaking and promoting BT adoption practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 has far-reaching effects on all aspects of life, the economy, and society, bringing various growth opportunities for businesses. However, businesses are still hesitant to apply these new technologies. On a research sample from a survey of 396 Vietnamese enterprises, the study uses the SEM-neural network method to determine the relationship and importance of five groups of factors affecting the firms' Industry 4.0 technologies adoption. The results suggest that five groups of factors, including Perceived characteristics, Technological competencies, CEO characteristics, Environmental characteristics, and Subjective Norms, all positively and significantly impact the Industry 4.0 technologies adoption in Vietnam. In particular, Technological competencies are the most influential factors according to the SEM method, while Subjective norms factors have the most decisive impact according to the neural-network method. Moreover, the research also found that adopting Industry 4.0 technologies depends on different company characteristics, such as age, size, status, and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of barriers to knowledge diffusion in energy technologies in 29 countries from 1990 to 2015, distinguishing between efficient fossil-based generation and mature renewable options, namely wind and solar. We show that knowledge flows are higher in countries with similar technological profiles, particularly for mature renewables. The study finds that international knowledge spillovers have increased in intensity for wind and solar, while the opposite is true for fossil-based technologies. That means that foreign knowledge has increasingly informed domestic investors and points to the key role that knowledge flows from abroad had in promoting innovation in low-carbon technology options. Integrated assessment models should account for the role international knowledge spillovers play in the generation of new knowledge and in contributing to rapid decrease in costs.

IntroductionGlobal warming presents significant challenges to the sustainable development of human society. Accelerating the achievement of carbon peak and neutrality is the vision for creating a global ecological community with a shared future. The development of digital technology provides us with the direction of action.MethodsBased on panel data from 276 cities in China from 2011 to 2020, principal component analysis was used to measure the basic state of digital technology at the city level, and the twoway fixed effects model and instrumental variable method to verify the impact of digital technology on carbon emissions from the perspective of technology diffusion.ResultsThe results show that the deep diffusion of digital technology in the real economy sector is helpful to improve productivity and carbon efficiency, thus significantly reducing carbon emissions. The role of digital technologies in reducing carbon emissions is heterogeneous. The results of the sub-sample test show that digital technology has a stronger emission reduction effect in large-scale cities, resource-based cities, smart cities and emission trading policy pilot areas. Digital technology can reduce carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency, promoting green technology innovation, and promoting virtual agglomeration.DiscussionsThe contribution of this paper is that it not only reveals that digital technology can reduce carbon emissions but also analyzes the emission reduction path of digital technology from a new perspective. The conclusion of this paper has implications for accelerating the diffusion of digital technology in the real economy sector to accelerate the realization of green production and cope with climate change.

BackgroundLiver cancer is one of the malignant tumors worldwide, while the prevention and control situation is grim at present, and the diffusion of its early screening technology still faces some challenges. This study aims to investigate the influencing mechanism of perceived ease of use, organizational support mechanism, and industry competitive pressure on hepatic early screening technologies use by physicians, so as to promote the wider use of corresponding technologies.MethodsUnder the theoretical guidance of technology-organization-environment framework and mindsponge theory, this study took hepatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound as an example, and conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire by randomly selecting physicians from Fujian and Jiangxi provinces in China with a high and low incidence of liver cancer, respectively. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the correlation among perceived ease of use, organizational support mechanism, and industry competitive pressure, as well as their impact on the physicians’ behavior toward contrast-enhanced ultrasound use.ResultsThe hypothesis model fits well with the data (χ2/df = 1.863, GFI = 0.937, AGFI = 0.908, RMSEA = 0.054, NFI = 0.959, IFI = 0.980, CFI = 0.980). Under technology-organization-environment framework, the perceived ease of use (β = 0.171, p

Technology diffusion plays an important role in the improvement of technological innovation capabilities and can provide strong support for sustainable economic development. This paper aims to analyze the influence mechanism of technology diffusion on sustainable development, such as the initial investment willingness, technology spillover effects and absorptive capacity, technology transfer prices and intellectual property protection, government subsidy support and penalties. However, there is a lack of systemic game mechanism and numerical simulation methods for heterogeneous enterprises. Based on the government, OFDI companies, and domestic companies that are not involved in FDI, we have proposed the evolutionary game model for technology diffusion on sustainable development. The results show that: (1) The government, OFDI firms, and domestic firms are influenced by each other's initial willingness to a different extent; (2) Different combinations of technology spillover and absorptive capacity lead to different sustainable evolution results of technology diffusion; (3) Reasonable technology transfer pricing and enhancing the protection of property rights can improve the efficiency of the technology diffusion sustainable development system; (4) Both financial support and penalties encourage technology diffusion sustainable development, but excessive financial support reduces the government's willingness to participate ultimately. Therefore, this paper proposes that the government should increase its willingness to participate and increase punishment for unreasonable pricing behaviors. The stronger the stimulus effect of OFDI firm technology spillover and domestic firm absorptive capacity, the stronger the stimulus effect; however, there is a certain threshold effect, at the same time increasing the property rights protection of OFDI firms and the penalties for opportunistic behaviors of domestic firms, and establishing a diversified financial support policy, will increase the efficiency of the technology diffusion sustainable development system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the perception of mom entrepreneurs of the region of Triângulo Mineiro (State of Minas Gerais - Brazil) about the use of ICTs in their businesses. A quantitative approach with application of online questionnaires was adopted. The main results show that respondents have used ICTs to support their management activities. However, the results also reveal that many respondents, even using ICTs in their businesses, do not necessarily feel comfortable in using these technologies to support their activities. The study reinforces the benefits of contemporary technologies to support the management process, but also reveals a scenario that can motivate training and qualification actions to optimize the benefits from ICTs in the Triângulo Mineiro region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social embeddedness always plays important role in facilitating agricultural technology diffusion. However, in China, dramatic changes have occurred in the social embeddedness of rural households in the transition from 'acquaintance society' to 'semi-acquaintance society'. Could this be the reason for the debate over the role of social embeddedness? What are the differences in the role of social embeddedness between farmers with different land scales? Based on survey data from 583 rural households from Zhejiang Province, China, we used an endogenous switching regression model to answer these questions. The results indicated there are significant differences in social embeddedness between large- and small-scale households. Although the influence of social embeddedness on technology adoption remains significant, its function is significantly different between small- and large-scale farmers. To avoid technological lock-in for small-scale farmers, the government should strengthen the information push and expand the coverage of environmental-friendly agricultural subsidies for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Sustainability is increasingly becoming an essential aspect of technological innovations. In addition, the diffusion of sustainable new technology-based products appears to be uneven across the globe. The authors examine the effect of three country-level Hofstede measures of culture and two national-level innovation characteristics on the diffusion of Sustainable New Technology-based Products (SNTP). Design/methodology/approach – Regression and Necessary Conditions Analysis were used to analyze a panel dataset of electric and hybrid vehicles sales from 2008 to 2017 across 89 countries. Findings – Results suggest Long-Term Orientation (LTO) was correlated with SNTP diffusion, Indulgence (IVR) was partially correlated with SNTP diffusion and was also a necessary condition. Surprisingly, Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) was not correlated with SNTP diffusion. In addition, a national proclivity for developing innovations and a history of utilizing prior generic innovations were both correlated and necessary for SNTP diffusion. Originality/value – This paper measures the impact of several macro-level variables (culture and other innovation related characteristics of countries) on SNTP diffusion. In addition to regression analyses to measure the average effect size, the authors conduct Necessary Conditions Analysis, which assesses the necessity of a variable for the outcome. These insights may help multinational companies better strategize entry decisions for international markets and aid governments in formulating more effective policies by recognizing and accommodating the influences of national culture and innovation attitudes.

In recent years, cryptocurrencies have attracted much attention with rising prices leading to numerous articles on their technical and economic dimensions . Although Few Articles have Investigated acceptance of this Technology by People and other Stakeholders , In other words, the question is what causes people and other stakeholders (such as retailers) to use cryptocurrencies instead of the banking system . In this Study, we review articles on cryptocurrencies from 2008 to 2019 to determine what factors affect the acceptance of cryptocurrencies by people - retailers - developers and governments. According to the results. Consumer demand and trading benefits for retailers. Perceived usefulness and trust from the public and the risk of business failure - The risk of software code error and legal risk from developers is one of the important reasons for affecting the acceptance of cryptocurrencies . Finally, by analyzing the results Gaps and opportunities for studying this topic in Iran are presented

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an important strategy in global agriculture, aimed at maintaining the growth trend of food production without compromising environmental integrity or human health. Despite various measures taken by the government to encourage farmers to adopt IPM technologies, the adoption rate of IPM in China remains insufficient. This study finds that the number of farmers who adopt IPM to a high degree is significantly lower than those who view IPM as a win-win solution for profits and the environment. To address the gap between attitudes and behaviors, this research utilizes data from a survey of 480 households in Dengkou County, Inner Mongolia, China, employing structural equation modeling to analyze the impact of farmers' perceived factors on IPM adoption rates. Additionally, a generalized linear mixed model is used to assess farmers' attitudes toward financial subsidies, while an Ordered Logit model conducts an empirical analysis of the factors influencing barriers to IPM adoption. The findings indicate that: (1) Farmers' overly optimistic expectations regarding the initial costs of IPM hinder their adoption; (2) Farmers who are skeptical about the economic benefits of IPM demonstrate greater interest in cash subsidies; (3) Land characteristics and farmer attributes influence farmers' evaluations of barriers to IPM adoption. To develop reasonable and effective policies aimed at narrowing the adoption gap for IPM, it is essential to thoroughly understand the characteristics of farmers and their perceptions of IPM, and to design incentive measures that account for group differences. Findings of the study provide information regarding the IPM adoption gap among farmers in China, thereby offering practical insights and empirical evidence to assist policymakers in developing appropriate policies. It also provides a framework for countries in similar situations globally to examine and address the adoption gap. [Display omitted] • This study develops a framework to examine and quantify the Integrated Pest Management adoption gap. • The research investigates the reasons for the adoption gap from a perceptual perspective. • Farmers' overly high expectations regarding the initial cost of Integrated Pest Management may lead to an adoption gap. • Farmers who are skeptical about the economic benefits of IPM demonstrate a higher interest when faced with cash subsidies. • The characteristics of farmers' households and landholdings influence their assessment of adoption barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]