Challenges and Opportunities- The Case for New Technologies’ Implementation in Romania

Abstract

Purpose: This article intends to identify, understand and explore the challenges and critical success factors (“CSF”) arising from implementation of new technologies in Romanian companies. We conduct a cross-industry partially explanatory, partially exploratory research focusing on 3 business cases whereby innovative technologies such as automation software, industrial robots and continuous steel melting through the use of electrical cauldron have been implemented.

Research Methodology/Design:  We have used a case study approach. We’ve reviewed and mapped the existent academic literature on the subject matter, we have conducted interviews with business stakeholders, we have traced the identified challenges and CSF’ and measured their occurrence in relation to the case studies.

Findings:The results suggests that there are several pervasive challenges such as conflicts among the stakeholders, no management and/or employee buy-in, value misalignment and resistance to change that if appropriately mitigated can lead to successful outcomes. We’ve also identified a number recurring critical success factors that can ensure the effective implementation of the new technologies such as management buy in and understanding of value proposition.

Research limitations/implications:The current study further extends the existing research on challenges and CSF related to the implementation of technologies from the standpoint of innovation theory.

Practical Implications:The present article further expands on the exploration research performed so far on challenges and critical success factors related to the implementation of new technologies taking the scholarly research and validating the findings in the real business world.

Originality/value: The current research study provides practical evidence using cross-industry occurrence-based validation testing to indicate the challenges and critical success factors related to the implementation of new technologies in Romanian companies. It adds to the exploratory research on technology transformation as it pertains to jurisdictions that, more often than not, are outside the research radar.