Understanding the Factors Affecting Innovation Adoption in Traditional Industries
Keywords:
Innovation adoptionو, traditional industries, qualitative research, organizational readiness, external pressures, individual factors, Tehran, thematic analysisAbstract
This study aimed to explore the key organizational, external, and individual-level factors that influence the adoption of innovation within traditional industries in Tehran, with a focus on understanding how these dynamics facilitate or hinder innovation integration. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews with 23 participants from various traditional industries, including textiles, handicrafts, ceramics, and agriculture-based businesses. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic content analysis via NVivo software. Open coding, constant comparison, and thematic clustering were conducted to extract meaningful patterns. Three overarching themes emerged from the analysis: organizational readiness, external pressures and incentives, and individual-level factors. Organizational readiness encompassed leadership attitudes, innovation culture, resource constraints, strategic orientation, and structural limitations. External factors included market demands, government policy, technological trends, and industry norms. At the individual level, innovator traits, employee engagement, generational conflict, skill gaps, and innovation perceptions shaped adoption decisions. Participants highlighted both barriers—such as financial limitations, resistance to change, and regulatory challenges—and enablers, such as visionary leadership and peer learning. The results indicated that innovation in traditional industries is a deeply contextual and multi-level process. Innovation adoption in traditional industries cannot be approached through a one-size-fits-all framework. Instead, it requires a nuanced understanding of internal dynamics, environmental forces, and individual agency. The findings provide insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to support innovation in culturally rooted and low-technology sectors.
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