Designing and Explaining a Model for Factors Affecting Technological Innovation Capabilities (A Case Study: Iran Public Libraries Institution)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD., Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: Developing technological capabilities is essential for the industrial progress of nations, and each country formulates strategies to enhance these capabilities based on its specific needs. Organizations must also engage in technological innovation to develop unique products and services that create market benefits. This is only achievable by relying on credible sources of knowledge. In this context, the current study aims to identify and explain the factors influencing technological innovation capabilities within the public library system of the country.
Method: This research is exploratory in purpose and fundamental in its intended audience. It employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. In this methodology, qualitative data is collected and analyzed first, followed by the collection and analysis of quantitative data in the second stage. The statistical population for the qualitative component of the research consists of executive experts who possess a comprehensive understanding of the public library system in the country. The sampling method employed in this qualitative phase is purposive sampling. Consequently, individuals with expertise and experience in the operations, activities, and affairs of the public library system should be interviewed. After conducting 15 interviews, the researchers concluded that the information gathered had reached a saturation point, indicating that no further interviews were necessary. The statistical population for the quantitative phase of the study comprises all librarians in public libraries nationwide, totaling 6,171 individuals. Using the Cochran formula, the sample size was determined to be 362 participants. Considering an error margin of 0.05 percent and the potential non-return of some questionnaires, a total of 382 questionnaires were distributed. All questionnaires were subsequently collected and analyzed. The sampling method used in the quantitative phase was stratified random sampling. Each province of the country was treated as a distinct class, with the number of samples from each province determined by the number of employees in the public library institution located there. In the first phase of the research, which was qualitative, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. In the second phase, which was quantitative, a researcher-developed questionnaire was utilized. This questionnaire comprises 85 items and was designed based on the findings from the qualitative phase of the research. The validity of the research tools, specifically the interview and questionnaire, was assessed and confirmed using the content validity method. The reliability of the interviews was evaluated and confirmed through the test-retest method, yielding a coefficient of 0.87. Additionally, the reliability of the questionnaire was examined and confirmed using Cronbach's alpha, resulting in a coefficient of 0.948. To validate the qualitative data obtained from the interviews, thematic analysis was employed. For analyzing the quantitative data gathered from the questionnaires, confirmatory factor analysis was utilized.
Findings: Technological innovation capabilities are influenced by six key factors: education and learning, research and development, management, human resources, market analysis, and organizational structure. The management factor, with a factor loading of 0.951, has the most significant impact on technological innovation capabilities, while the education and learning factor, with a factor loading
of 0.794, has the least effect. Additionally, factors such as education and learning, research and development, management, human resources, market analysis, and organizational structure significantly influence the technological innovation capabilities of the country's public libraries. The proposed model also demonstrates a strong fit.
Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that six factors—education and learning, research
and development, management, human resources, market analysis, and organizational structure—significantly impact the technological innovation capabilities of public library institutions in the country. Research and development activities yield positive outcomes when supported by education and learning. Without adequate human resources, emerging technologies are unlikely to be embraced. If the organizational structure is designed to account for environmental changes, and market analysis is supported by feedback systems that address the needs of stakeholders, it will foster the development and enhancement of technological innovation capabilities. Therefore, the results of this study can assist managers in planning strategies to enhance and promote the technological innovation capabilities of employees in public library institutions. By identifying the key dimensions of these capabilities and improving them, organizations can create an environment conducive to employee growth, which ultimately contributes to the overall growth of the organization.
 

Keywords


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