International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development (12 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• A holistic Examination of Actor Dynamics and Governance Structures in the Ginger Value Chain: A case study of Southern and Central Regional States of Ethiopia  
  by Fetagn Gizachew, Birhanu Kuma, Alula Tafesse, Alemu Lambamo 
  Abstract: This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the ginger value chain in the Southern and Central Regional States of Ethiopia, revealing intricate relationships and governance structures. We used cross-sectional data from 343 ginger farmers and 28 traders. Despite ginger cultivation's significant contributions to economic growth employment, and sustainable practices, existing research gaps underscore the necessity for a holistic understanding of the entire value chain. Involving diverse actors, from input suppliers to retailers, the chain is influenced by market forces, hierarchical arrangements, and relational governance. Challenges such as pricing monopolies and power imbalances necessitate targeted recommendations including empowering collectors as farmer advocates, implementing regulatory measures to curb wholesalers' unchecked authority, and enhancing smallholder education. Strengthening legal organizations and promoting relational governance through transparency and collaboration are also crucial. Furthermore, advocating for collective action and legislative reforms ensures a balanced and prosperous ginger value chain.
  Keywords: Actor dynamics; Ginger value chain; Governance structure; Smallholder farmers; Ethiopia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10064481
   
  
• Bibliometrics for Analysing Business Opportunities and Players in the Pharmaceuticals Field  
  by Ambar Yoganingrum, Heru Susanto, Budi Nugroho, Yaniasih Yaniasih, Siti Kania Kushadiani, Koharudin Koharudin 
  Abstract: This paper aims to identify business opportunities and players in the pharmaceutical sector, especially herbal immunomodulatory developed using bioinformatics technology. The research results using a bibliometric approach show that several countries in Asia, including China, India and South Korea, dominate the ownership of scientific publications and patent documents for herbal immunomodulatory preparations. Apart from that, we see that the business opportunities for developing herbal immunomodulatory, especially using bioinformatics technology, are still wide open. This research shows that the number of publications and patent documents has increased rapidly since the 2020 pandemic. Countries with limited research budgets can utilise bioinformatics technology for faster and more cost-effective drug discovery. Those countries need to increase efforts, especially international cooperation, to address gaps in infrastructure and capacity of researchers and health professionals.
  Keywords: bibliometrics; herbal immunomodulatory; business opportunities; players; bioinformatics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10065144
   
  
• Does the level of education obtained by female entrepreneurs encourage their participation in the economy: A panel data analysis of five Asian countries  
  by Anu Lohan, Shabnam Hussain, Parveen Kumar 
  Abstract: This research aims to explore how women entrepreneurs contribute to the economy along with their educational background. The main focus is to examine the relationship between female entrepreneurs and educational attainment at the county level. The study relied on secondary data extracted from the Global Gender Gap Report and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Reports spanning the years 2006 to 2020. This dataset encompassed information from five Asian nations: China, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. Balanced panel data analysis was employed to derive our findings. The findings show that women’s entrepreneurs’ academic achievement increases the gender gap concerning economic participation. A woman’s level of education and the opportunity and participation of women entrepreneurs in economic activity were found to be negatively correlated. Researchers who are fascinated by exploring female entrepreneurs would find this study useful as it emphasises the impact made by female entrepreneurs in Asian nations.
  Keywords: female entrepreneurship; gender gap; educational attainment; economic participation; economic opportunities.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10065948
   
  
• Examining the Factors that Influence Green Banking Practices among Saudi Arabian Islamic Banks  
  by Ibrahim Oladapo 
  Abstract: In the 21st century, environmental sustainability has evolved into a crucial concern for human health, shifting societal attention to environmentally friendly behaviours. The problems of environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change have further sparked the commitment to enhance banking operations through green banking practices. This study investigates the impact of competitor pressure, customer pressure, environmental concern, and top management commitment to green banking practices in Saudi Arabian Islamic banks. The study utilised the data obtained through a survey with 307 bank professionals and experts as participants. The structural equation model technique is used to examine how the variables affect green banking practices. The findings show that factors such as management commitment, customer pressure, competitor pressure, and environmental concern have a significant impact on green banking practices. This suggests that continued commitment and efforts on various environmentally friendly activities will further improve the effectiveness and quality of banking services, giving Islamic banking institutions in Saudi Arabia a competitive advantage. Therefore, the Saudi Central Bank should continually emphasise environmentally responsive banking practices in its regulations, as doing so would strengthen the industry and encourage sustainable development.
  Keywords: stakeholder pressure; environmental concern; green banking practice; Islamic banking sector; Saudi Arabia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10066163
   
  
• The Use of Digital Technology to Prevent Violence against Women: a Scoping Review of Recent Literature  
  by Franklin Epiphanio, Carolina Oms 
  Abstract: Violence against women persists as a multifaceted global public health challenge that requires interventions at various levels. This scoping review examines 22 empirical and theoretical studies on the use of technology to prevent violence against women. Theoretical models, methods, gender violence focus, and technological strategies are analyzed and summarized. We highlight key articles, point out barriers, and provide practical recommendations within the framework of the role of public policy and legislation in utilizing technology to address this issue. We conclude that while technology plays a multifaceted role in preventing violence against women and offers significant opportunities to empower survivors and engage communities, it should not be seen as a standalone solution. Additionally, we call for a broader discussion about involving women in developing these technological solutions and ensuring accountability in the technology industry regarding the impact of their products.
  Keywords: violence against women; technology; public policy; legislation; violence prevention; barriers; scoping review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10066426
   
  
• Generation and Demographic-Based Differences in Cyberbullying Attitudes of Cyberbullies  
  by Suhans Bansal, NAVAL GARG, Jagvinder Singh 
  Abstract: Cyberbullying is a globally prevalent issue that has deterred its venom in organisations, too. No physical boundary or defence mechanism is able to defend people against it. The majority of the studies on cyberbullying primarily focus on victims, and perspectives of cyberbullies are largely ignored. This study explores generation and demographic-based differences in cyberbullying attitudes of the bullies using the Indian Cyberbullying Attitude Scale (ICBAS). We used a t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post-hoc analysis to examine variations in cyberbullying attitudes. The results revealed significant variations based on generation, gender, education level, profession, and daily usage of information and communication technology (ICT) tools. Income level-based variations in cyberbullying were reported as statistically nonsignificant. It is one of its kind studies that explores generational and demographic differences in cyberbullying perpetration, especially in India.
  Keywords: generation; demographic; cyberbullying attitude; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10066437
   
  
• Green Innovation for Sustainable Development: The Impact of Research and Development on Environmental Pollution Reduction  
  by Arezoo Zamany, Abbas Khamseh, Ali Khamseh 
  Abstract: In recent decades, mitigating environmental pollution has become a crucial objective for economies worldwide in pursuit of sustainable growth. However, the relationship between research and development (R&D) and its potential role in reducing environmental pollution remains relatively unexplored in sustainable development research. This study investigates the influence of green R&D on environmental pollution reduction. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study identifies five key components of green R&D: green intellectual capital, green ideas, green design, green investment, and rules and standards. The findings demonstrate that green R&D positively influences environmental pollution reduction, supporting its role as a driver for sustainable development and economic growth.
  Keywords: Green Research and Development; Environmental Pollution Reduction; Sustainable Development; Green Innovation; Environmental Impact; Sustainable Economic Growth.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10066540
   
  
• Assessing the Role of Innovation Clusters in Sustainable Development: A Comparative Case Study of Japan and South Korea, and Implications for Nigeria  
  by Temitayo Shenkoya 
  Abstract: Poverty remains a complex issue, in the global south particularly in Nigeria. Many countries have successfully transformed their economies from developing to developed economies through the development of innovation clusters in various areas of their countries. However, there is a paucity of research providing empirical evidence and real-life case analyses in this transformative process. This study presents itself as one of the earliest studies to provide empirical evidence to support the relevance of innovation clusters to sustainable development through an analysis of the performance of innovation clusters in South Korea and Japan. The results of this study show that the ultimate goal of innovation clusters is to foster sustainable development and eradicate poverty. The findings underscore the importance of innovation clusters in achieving these objectives, highlightng the governments leadership role in fostering collaboration amongst various stakeholders within an innovation cluster to maximise the developmental efforts of the government.
  Keywords: innovation cluster; SMEs; open innovation; policy; collaboration; national development plans; sustainable development; Japan; South Korea; Nigeria.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10066791
   
  
• Beyond Metrics: A Comprehensive Framework for Assessing Tourism Destination Competitiveness  
  by Aditi Nag, Smriti Mishra 
  Abstract: Understanding the competitive position of the destination is critical for destination managers in a highly competitive tourism market. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tourism destination competitiveness (TDC) from the demand perspective, analysing importance of various TDC characteristics and attempting to explain how these variables influence tourists' decisions. Under the travel and tourism competitiveness index (TTCI) pillars, this study developed a conceptual model for tourism arrival evaluation that included tourism stakeholders, movement choice, tourism infrastructure, and tourism price variables. The model utilises advanced statistical techniques including maximum likelihood estimation, information entropy, and Augmented Dickey-Fuller Test to ensure integration of variables and stability for future model modifications, addressing limitations of existing models and promoting inclusivity. The study introduces a novel TTCI weighting technique for evaluating subjective and objective pillars, offering insights for destination management organisations to improve competitiveness and adapt to market changes, holding both theoretical and managerial significance.
  Keywords: Augmented Dickey-Fuller test; ADF; information entropy; maximum likelihood estimation; MLE; real exchange rate; LER; tourism arrivals; tourism destination competitiveness; TDC.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10066890
   
  
• Determinants of Fintech Adoption in Banking: The Role of Technological Literacy: Evidence from Pakistan  
  by Shahbaz Tariq, Najabat Ali 
  Abstract: Fintech has emerged as a transformative strategy offering convenient, timely, high-quality, and low-cost financial services to individuals and enterprises. However, as cyber threats increase, so does the perception of risk. The study attempts to address this risk perception and other background factors to examine the behaviour of bank customers. The proposed framework incorporates the theory of planned behaviour and the technological acceptance model to predict behaviour. Using convenience sampling, we ultimately selected 390 bank customers as our final respondents. The study employed correlation, regression, mediation, and moderation analysis to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed that innovation, perceived usefulness, ease of use, and trust significantly positively impact attitudes towards fintech decisions. This study has implications for policymakers, banking service providers, and governments in establishing strategies to mitigate the perceived risk and improve the usefulness of services offered by FinTech.
  Keywords: fintech adoption; technological literacy; perceived risk; innovation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10066896
   
  
• The role of Entrepreneurial Culture, Digital Orientation, and Digital Capabilities in Fostering Digital Innovation: a Focus on the Financial Services Sector in South Africa  
  by Boris Urban, Kennedy Mateyo 
  Abstract: Digitalisation as a game-changing innovation has significantly changed the organisational technology innovation landscape and shaped the research agenda. However, the literature shows a gap in the understanding of various aspects relating to digitalisation and innovation, particularly from an African emerging market perspective. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between digital capabilities, digital orientation, and digital innovation, while considering the moderating influence of an entrepreneurial organisational culture. The study is focused on firms in the financial services sector (n = 228) in South Africa. Results reveal that digital orientation and digital capabilities positively increase digital innovation. However, the moderating influence of an entrepreneurial organisational culture on this relationship is not significant, which may be attributed to the prevalence of remote work affecting organisational culture. The findings are valuable to managers who look to advance digitalisation in their organisation and enhance the capabilities needed for increased digital innovation.
  Keywords: digitalisation; technology; digital innovation; digital orientation; digital capabilities; entrepreneurial organisational culture; emerging markets.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10067022
   
  
• Closing Regional and Gender Gaps in Digital Financial Services: a Pathway to Financial Inclusion in Developing Countries  
  by Joshua Afolabi, Elinah Yemisi Olanrewaju, Blessing Olanrewaju 
  Abstract: The United Nations' quest to ensure no one is left behind, especially in digital finance, is sabotaged by the digital divide across regional and gender dimensions. Therefore, this study employed a case study approach and situational analysis to evaluate digital financial inclusion gaps in developing countries to devise strategies for closing the observed gaps in digital financial services (DFS). Findings showed that digital financial platforms are used more by males than females and are more prevalent in high-income countries than middle-income and low-income countries due to the disparity in institutional quality and infrastructural facilities. This study concluded that bridging the regional and gender gaps in DFS is pivotal for achieving financial inclusion. Taking cues from countries with success stories in digital financial inclusion, developing countries should build robust digital infrastructures, develop conducive business environments for Fintech companies, and leverage the high mobile phone/internet penetration rate to achieve digital financial inclusion.
  Keywords: Digital Financial Service; Financial Inclusion; Regional Gap; Gender Gap; Developing Countries.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2025.10067598