DO BANGLADESHI FOOD AND BEVERAGE ENTREPRENEUR INTEND TO ADOPT THE ADVANCED LEVEL OF IR 4.0 TECHNOLOGY IN MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS?

Abstract

The performance of SME enterprises will drive the country’s economy forward. Upgrading the technologies currently used in SMEs will enhance the manufacturing process of the food and beverage (F&B) industries. Those firms are still using traditional equipment and machinery in their F&B manufacturing process; however, they are required to adopt the next level of technologies for maximum productivity, which they cannot afford. Thus, the study focuses on the intention to adopt upgraded technologies in F&B SMEs in developing countries. A total of 230 F&B SME owners and top management were surveyed in Bangladesh. The collected data were analysed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS software. The results showed that disaster preparedness and business continuity were significant in influencing the intention to adopt; similarly, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence were also significant in influencing the intention to adopt the next level of IR technologies. The moderating role of government support and policy has mixed effects on intention. The study is significant because disaster preparedness and business continuity plans are utilised in technology adoption and intention scenarios. For the investigation of this intention, the study adopted two perspectives: the invasion and role of disasters and hazards on SMEs through disaster preparedness and business continuity plans, and secondly, the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT) for measuring the intention. The study contributed to these two theories in a new context, utilising specific constructs. The study will also contribute to policymakers in the government in developing constructive policies and effective financial and non-financial support for F&B manufacturing SMEs.