International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management (16 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Exploring Key Machine Learning Technologies and Developments in Photonics from the Perspective of Patent Examiners  
  by Shu-Hao Chang, Chin-Yuan Fan 
  Abstract: As smart applications mature, the application of machine learning technologies in photonics has become a prospective research area. Thus, the present study investigated various patents identified and cited by examiners, and a technology network model was employed to identify key technologies. Several major technologies were identified, namely those pertaining to electric digital data processing, graphical data reading, signaling and calling systems, vehicles, vehicle fittings, and vehicle parts. Various differences between the technologies cited by applicants and examiners were discovered. The technologies most frequently cited by applicants pertained to diagnoses, surgeries, and identification, whereas those most often cited by examiners pertained to electric digital data processing; notably, examiners used the technologies in this field to approve, reject, or limit the scope of patent rights. The results of the present study can serve as a reference for researching and improving resource allocation.
  Keywords: machine learning; photonics; patent examiner; patent analysis; network analysis; examiner citations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2024.10061545
   
  
• Agricultural Waste Management: A Policy Perspective from India  
  by Divya Siwach, Anu Gupta 
  Abstract: Agricultural waste falls in different categories and each category requires their unique management technique. Some of these techniques can be implemented at the local level, while some have larger policy implication. Governments have been updating their policies and regulations regularly to manage agro-waste. However, there are many challenges in implementation of these policies. Present work presents a comprehensive review of the present waste management scenario. Need of policies and regulations has been discussed w.r.t the challenges associated with agro-waste management. The regulation and policies for agriculture waste management have been presented from Indian perspective. The work is helpful not only for the careful implementation of the policies, but also to delineate the need for new policies. Agro-waste can be beneficial for society in the form of energy, bio-fuel production, bio-fertilizer, compost, biogas, paper etc. if properly managed. This can serve as a new eco-friendly materials towards sustainability.
  Keywords: agriculture waste management policies waste management techniques policy implications.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2024.10062091
   
  
• Digital Currencies: The Technology Adoption vs Policy Implications  
  by Gabriel A. Ogunmola, Amir Zia, Vikas Kumar 
  Abstract: The study examines the evolving terrain of digital currencies, delving into the factors contributing to expansion and the diverse regulatory approaches across different geographical regions. The rapid growth of the digital currency industry can be attributed to the technology advancements, increased financial inclusivity, rising investor enthusiasm, globalisation, economic instability and the growing applications of blockchain technology. Whereas, the policymakers are confronted with a range of challenges, encompassing the necessity for synchronised regulatory frameworks, safeguarding the consumer interests as well as the acceptability of digital currencies in global trade. The proposition of cross-border collaboration has been put forth as a strategy to effectively tackle the difficulties of international trade. This paper thoroughly examines the factors driving digital currencies towards widespread adoption in the financial sector, as well as the changing regulatory environment surrounding Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Policy recommendations and implications have been drawn from the perspective of different stakeholders.
  Keywords: Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) Regulatory frameworks Digital currency Blockchain applications.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2024.10062151
   
  
• The impact of climate change on the entry of newly registered enterprises  
  by Yanyun Chen, XiangYu Liu, Jingting Tu, Kun Liao 
  Abstract: Climate change is one of the most pressing issues confronting the economy and society today. This research explores the mechanism of climate change on firm entry behaviour based on Chinese municipal equilibrium panel data from 2009 to 2019. The empirical results are as follows: 1) The climate change significantly limits firm entry behaviour, i.e., the more extreme temperature days, the lower the firm entrance; 2) labour supply, human capital, or consumer demand are significant mediators of how climate change influences firm entrance; and 3) at the regional level, there are significant disparities in the entry of firms on the east and west sides of the Hu Line as a result of climate change, indicating that climate change promotes the entry of enterprises on the west side of the Hu Line while negatively inhibiting the entry of enterprises on the east side of the Hu Line.
  Keywords: Climate Change; Firm Entry; the Hu Line; Micro-breakthrough.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2024.10062168
   
  
• Identifying emerging technologies to foresee the future of intelligent ships: A machine learning approach to patent data  
  by Weiwei Liu, Jingyi Yao, Kexin Bi 
  Abstract: The development of emerging technologies for intelligent ships is related to the transformation and modernisation of the shipping industry. However, identifying and predicting emerging technologies in the field of intelligent ships is an imminent yet overlooked task. In this paper, we propose a machine learning-based framework for identifying and predicting emerging technologies based on the patent data. The LDA model is used to identify technology topics within the field of intelligent ships, we then construct an indicator system to recognise emerging technology topics. Ultimately, the LSTM network is adopted to predict the development trends of these emerging technologies. The results show that intelligent control systems, lane design and optimisation, and ship equipment intelligence are emerging technology topics for intelligent ships. The research not only provides insights for sustainable development and innovation of intelligent ships, but also offers research avenues for accurately identifying emerging technology topics and forecasting their development trends.
  Keywords: Emerging technology topics; Machine learning approach; Intelligent ship; LSTM network; LDA model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2024.10062998
   
  
• An Inventory of Leader Behaviours for Nurturing Team Flow in Research & Development Project Teams  
  by Kiran Govind V, Sumati Sidharth 
  Abstract: R&D project teams create a competitive advantage for organizations by advancing technological knowledge and delivering innovative services and solutions. These projects comprise experts in diverse fields, who must be transformed into cohesive teams working towards realising project objectives. Team flow, an emerging topic in team science, can significantly improve team effectiveness and performance with positive outcomes. The onus is on the R&D team leader to nurture a state of team flow by instilling the right team processes and fostering team emergent states. 5R-framework (Resonant, Reflection, Response, Resultant and Reinforcing), a new model to foster team flow in R&D project teams, is the basis for the present study. Based on 5R-framework, in-depth interviews with R&D team leaders and an exhaustive literature search were conducted to create an inventory of twelve leader behaviours. The proposed leader behaviours can likely influence the 5R team processes and nurture team flow in R&D project teams.
  Keywords: Team flow; R&D project teams; Leader behaviours; Team effectiveness; 5R framework; Team performance; Team processes; Team emergent states.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10063268
   
  
• Managing the spillover effects of digitalisation  
  by Zhanna Aksenova, Natalia N. Gubernatorova, Amira Anvarovna Daudova, Zarema N. Stash, Larisa A. Kargina 
  Abstract: The article is devoted to the study of the spillover effects of digitalisation. The assessment of the spillover effects of digitalization forms a methodological basis for the implementation of the state policy of digital development. The authors systematised the positive and negative spillover effects of digitalisation for the economy. The expediency of using statistical methods of variance and standard deviation to evaluate the spillover effects is substantiated. It is proved that the spillover effects of digitalisation are subject to management by the state. This will ensure that developing economies accelerate digital development and expand their opportunities to achieve global leadership.
  Keywords: spillover effects of digitalization; digital economy; labor market; deformation; unemployment; digital inequality; cyber risks; asymmetry; management; state policy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10063348
   
  
• An Analysis of Export of Software Services in India since 2010: a Systematic Literature Review with Future Agenda  
  by Pradeep Kumar, Syed Shahid Mazhar, Anis Ur Rehman, Farhina Sardar Khan 
  Abstract: Software services in India have emerged as major contributors to service exports. Despite the need for a better understanding of the export of software and related services, there is a scarcity of scholarly studies on this topic. This study attempts to fill this gap. This study reviewed literature related to export of software services and analysed 65 papers that are classified under different heads. Research shows that software services export strength has been frequently studied (38%), followed by opportunities (26%) and challenges (15%). Weaknesses (9%), threats (5%), and SWOT analysis (6%) have also been covered in this study. The paper contributes to services export research by providing theoretical, contextual and methodological insights into the field of software export. The study provides strategic insights for software exporting as well as outsourcing firms. Additionally, we identify research issues related to policymaking, governance, as well as broader societal impacts that need to be addressed in the future.
  Keywords: Export; Software Services; Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES); systematic literature review; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10063421
   
  
• The condition of science, technology and innovation policy in Iran: a historical evolutionary perspective based on network governance  
  by Mehdi Mohammadi, Mohammad Mehdi Zolfagharzadeh, Ali Zackery, Zohreh Karimmian 
  Abstract: This paper analyses Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy making in Iran between 1990 and 2022 using the network governance approach. Four phases of STI policy are identified: human resources and publication boom, agencification era, comprehensiveness quest, and innovation turn. The analysis shows a low degree of decentralisation, good coordination, and successful interdisciplinary collaboration. However, challenges such as the pipeline model of innovation, performance measurement politics, and controversial government and university roles hinder policy reform. To create a national innovation system, a normative turn toward a broader societal definition of innovation is recommended, and the government should shift its role to facilitator rather than interventionist.
  Keywords: STI Policy; Network Governance; Iran’ STI policy. Historical analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10063483
   
  
• Multifaceted Issues of Cybercrime in Contemporary Era  
  by Tansif Rehman 
  Abstract: The Internet is undoubtedly the most creative development of the modern era since it continues transforming practically anyone's everyday life worldwide. Billions of people are connected to the Internet, and many more join daily. Simultaneously, as internet advancements continue to thrive, criminals have devised methods to use such developments in almost the same manner they would use any weapon for an illegal act. Identifying and settling an infraction is much more challenging than typical crimes. Every day, cybercrime units worldwide get thousands of reports. Cybercriminals are inventive, well-organized, and significantly more skilled than traditional criminals. They use their tools well, work more diligently, and concentrate on identifying new weaknesses and evading discovery. The most pervasive types of cybercrime are elaborated in this research. The theory of planned behavior is also discussed, and the proposed approach is validated using the systematic review method.
  Keywords: cyberstalking; cyberterrorism; cyber frauds; pornography; systematic review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10064820
   
  
• An Analysis of the Legal and Regulatory Challenges in the Indian Electric Vehicle Segment: Implications for Indian manufacturers  
  by Mahima Tripathi, Niharika Sahoo 
  Abstract: The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) globally is affected by many factors including availability, affordability, infrastructural and technological and legal policy development. The paper aims to analyse the legal and regulatory challenges faced by Indian EV manufacturers during the development and commercialisation phases. The study adopts empirical method to understand the challenges faced by the Indian EV manufacturers. The study reveals that the absence of a long-term vision in the existing EV policies is the major barrier for the Indian EV industry. Lack of clear targets for EV uptake, stringent localisation requirements to avail financial support, insufficient incentive for charging infrastructure development, promotion of indigenous research, intellectual property protection and limited technology transfer initiatives by the government are highlighted as major barriers by the stakeholders. As India endeavours to achieve sustainable and cleaner mobility, addressing these concerns is crucial for the successful establishment of a thriving EV ecosystem in India.
  Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals; Sustainable transportation; Electric Vehicles Indian EV manufacturers; EV innovation; Legal and regulatory challenges; Intellectual property right.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10065139
   
  
• Exploring the Development Efficiency and Effectiveness of Digital Products  
  by Kun Liao, Pingping Tang, Jianfeng Wang, Fang Wang 
  Abstract: With the fast market growth of digital products such as gaming platforms, digital product development has become critical to the success of companies in these industries. This study identifies the differences between physical and digital products in terms of the new product development processes. Methods are identified to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of digital product development through a case study. Among those methods, modular design, agile production, and cross-functional teams are highly recommended due to their effectiveness.
  Keywords: digital film; video game; development process.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10065322
   
  
• Towards Participatory decision-Making under Deep Uncertainty: Benefits and Challenges  
  by Karoline Führer, Jan H. Kwakkel, Floortje M. D'Hont, Etiënne A. J. A. Rouwette, Cornelia Els Van Daalen 
  Abstract: Decision-making under deep uncertainty (DMDU) provides a set of tools and methods to find resolutions for complex wicked problems, which requires considering multiple actors and uncertainty. However, not all characteristics of wicked problems are typically addressed by the DMDU toolkit. We identified three key shortcomings: the focus on analytical techniques, a lack of attention for sense-making of analytical artefacts with the various parties to a decision, and no attention for coming to a decision. Engaging stakeholders in the DMDU process is a promising direction for overcoming these shortcomings. This study addresses the need for a formalised approach for participatory DMDU. As such, we provide a general structure for participatory DMDU processes and present the potential benefits of engaging stakeholders for each step. We present four challenges in establishing a practice of participatory DMDU: 1) selecting promising projects, 2) designing valuable processes, 3) developing and documenting methods, and 4) evaluating transparently.
  Keywords: decision-making under deep uncertainty; decision making; wicked problems; participation; participatory modelling; deliberation; stakeholder engagement; complexity; uncertainty; facilitation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10066102
   
  
• Emergence of FinTech Technologies as a Game Changing Innovation in the Digitalised Era  
  by Diwakar Chaudhary, Shubhash Kumar Verma, Rashi Baliyan, Pooja Singh, Khadilkar Sujay Madhukar 
  Abstract: FinTech is a powerful mix of new digital technologies and changing customer needs. It's not just changing financial services; it's changing everything. Its game-changing features make access more open, personalise solutions, and speed up deals. For example, they can help people who don't have bank accounts by automating investments. But, like any change, it has problems, like digital divides, security worries, and rules that make it hard to use. We can guide FinTech toward a future where its transformative power helps everyone by putting an emphasis on ethical considerations, responsible innovation, and openness. This will pave the way for a fairer and more prosperous financial environment. This is not just a great piece of technology; it's also a call to action, a chance to change the story of finance with FinTech as our strong tool. Let's see how it can change things and work together to make the future a place where financial services really meet everyone's needs.
  Keywords: Digitalization; Fintech; Disruption; Block chain; AI.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2026.10066899
   
  
• Comparison of Two models for Projected Discharge outflow Forecasting: Application of SWAT and T-F Markov at Mkomazi River Catchment, South Africa  
  by Oseni T. Amoo, Akinola Ikudayisi, Abdultaofeek Abayom 
  Abstract: Projected impacts of climate change on water balance and yield are needed to give an overview of periodic water availability for structural regulation, adaptation, and mitigation strategies in conserving the available water resources. This study compares the possible future responses of Mkomazi River Catchment (MRC), KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa using two models, SWAT and T-F-Markov. It proposes adaptation strategies toward integrated watershed management. To achieve this, future regional downscaled meteorological data from 20002060 was fed into the soil and water assessment tool to assess the impacts on projected outflow simulation with simulated Markov outflow projection. The SWAT simulated result reveals a better regression plot correlation coefficient of 0.75 to 0.77 for projected T-F Markov monthly discharge outflow at the validation stage with the historical records. Water resources managers would find the tools employed to model spatially distributed and time-varying hydro-meteorologic datasets useful for water balance and water yield projected quantification.
  Keywords: Climate change; gamma autoregressive; Markov outflow; water balance; water yield.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10066911
   
  
• Exploring the Impact of Digital Infrastructure and Opportunity-Driven TEA on Economic Development  
  by Teodora Sutakovi?, Mateja Drnovšek 
  Abstract: In this study, we focus on a previously under-researched relationship between digital infrastructure, opportunity-driven TEA, and economic development given the recent rapid speed of digital technology adoption. Using a longitudinal data sample of 58 countries over the period 2011-2019 we test a moderated mediation model of the relationships between digital infrastructure and economic development and examine the mediation role of opportunity-driven TEA and moderation role of subjective well-being. We find that digital infrastructure is a critical element contributing directly and indirectly to economic development through opportunity-driven TEA. National levels of subjective well-being amplify the positive impact of opportunity-driven TEA.
  Keywords: digitalization; economic growth; national well-being.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2025.10067702