درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

This study aims to investigate the impact of R&D intensity on operational efficiency and strategic alliances in medium-sized companies. Specifically, it seeks to understand how these variables interact to influence a firm's commitment to research and development activities, ultimately affecting their innovation and market performance. A cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample of 230 participants drawn from medium-sized companies. The sample size was determined using the Morgan and Krejcie table. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing R&D intensity, operational efficiency, and strategic alliances. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between the dependent variable (R&D intensity) and each independent variable (operational efficiency and strategic alliances). Linear regression analysis was performed to explore the combined effect of the independent variables on R&D intensity. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated significant positive relationships between R&D intensity and operational efficiency (r = 0.53, p = 0.001), and between R&D intensity and strategic alliances (r = 0.47, p = 0.002). The regression analysis showed that operational efficiency and strategic alliances together explain 40% of the variance in R&D intensity (R² = 0.40, F(2, 227) = 19.25, p = 0.000). Multivariate regression results confirmed that both operational efficiency (B = 0.07, β = 0.42, p = 0.001) and strategic alliances (B = 1.10, β = 0.35, p = 0.000) are significant predictors of R&D intensity. The study concludes that operational efficiency and strategic alliances significantly enhance R&D intensity in medium-sized companies. These findings suggest that improving operational processes and fostering strategic partnerships are critical for increasing a firm's investment in research and development. The results are consistent with previous research and provide valuable insights for both academia and industry practitioners. Future research should consider longitudinal designs and explore additional variables to further understand these relationships.

This study aims to explore the adoption and implementation of emerging technologies in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). By understanding the motivations, challenges, benefits, and future plans of SME founders, this research provides insights into how these businesses leverage technology to enhance their competitiveness and operational efficiency. The study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 25 founders of SMEs across various industries. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software, following a thematic approach to identify key themes and insights related to technology adoption and implementation in SMEs. The study identified several motivations for technology adoption, including competitive advantage, cost efficiency, customer demand, innovation drive, and growth opportunities. Key challenges faced by SMEs included financial constraints, technical difficulties, resistance to change, regulatory and compliance issues, knowledge gaps, vendor dependence, and time constraints. The benefits realized from technology adoption encompassed improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, revenue growth, better data analytics, increased employee productivity, and greater market adaptability. Future plans of SMEs included continued investment in technology, scaling up implementation, focusing on employee training and development, forming strategic partnerships, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and improving customer engagement. The adoption and implementation of emerging technologies present significant opportunities for SMEs to enhance their competitiveness and operational efficiency. However, SMEs must navigate various challenges to realize these benefits. By adopting a strategic approach and leveraging external partnerships, SMEs can successfully implement new technologies and drive sustainable growth. This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of SME founders, informing both practice and policy in the context of technological advancement in small and medium-sized enterprises.