Evaluation of the Competitiveness Model in the Steel Industry with a Technology Transfer Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD., Department of Technology Management, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Prof., Department of Financial Management, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Prof., Department of Industrial Management, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Objective
Given the dependencies of key economic sectors, the global steel demand is expected to increase. Therefore, pursuing multiple strategies and aligning with global market developments is essential to enhance and achieve competitiveness in this industry. One of the development approaches in the steel industry, like other technology-based industries adapting to advancements in new technologies, is using a technology transfer approach. This industry is one of the largest and most important industries in the world and plays a very important role in many economic sectors. It can be significantly recognized in global markets as one of the main and powerful players by improving its competitiveness. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the competitiveness model in the steel industry with a technology transfer approach.
 
Methods
This research is applied considering its objective and follows a descriptive survey methodology for data collection. The statistical population of this research includes managers and employees of companies active in the country's steel industry. The data collection tool in this research was a questionnaire distributed randomly among the population. Ultimately, 384 questionnaires suitable for data analysis were collected. The gathered data were analyzed through the structural equation approach and with the help of Smart-PLS software. The model validation in this research was formed comprehensively with an interpretive-structural modeling approach.
 
Results
The results showed that among the influencing factors, internal factors have the highest impact on competitiveness, while among the contextual factors, political and legal factors have the most significant effect. Additionally, the strategy of investment and cooperation was identified as the most effective for improving competitiveness, potentially yielding important economic, social, and organizational benefits for companies in the steel sector. Consequently, it is suggested that these companies enhance the selection and purchasing power of domestic and foreign customers by diversifying their product offerings, including related and complementary products, to cater to a wide range of needs within the industry.
 
Conclusion
The petrochemical industry is not in a favorable condition in this regard, and the volume and lines of products and derivatives in the industry are limited despite the available potential. Support from official, governmental, and legislative institutions for stakeholders and investors in the steel sector is crucial. By providing appropriate facilities and subsidies, these institutions can encourage and motivate active and potential investors to expand their production activities. Additionally, it is essential to reduce cumbersome and discouraging laws related to investment and exports. One of the most important drivers for increasing competitiveness among companies in the steel industry is the presence of a supportive atmosphere and attitude from senior company managers. The industry needs to step towards attracting, transferring, and developing existing technologies. Therefore, the presence of expert and capable managers with an entrepreneurial orientation in new technologies can be a crucial factor in developing the steel industry.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
Abbasian Hosseini, M., Modiri, M., Fathi, K. & Jafari, M. (2023). Designing an investment policy model for competitiveness in the steel industry with a comprehensive structural-interpretive modeling approach. Financial Economics Quarterly, 17(1), 317-340.
(in Persian)
Attarpour, M., Elyasi, M., & Mohammadi, A. (2023). Patterns of technological capability development in Iran's steel industry: An analysis based on windows of opportunity for technological learning. Resources Policy, 85, 104040.
Barros, M.V., Ferreira, M.B., do Prado, G.F., Piekarski, C.M. & Picinin, C.T. (2020). The interaction between knowledge management and technology transfer: a current literature review between 2013 and 2018. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 45 (5), 1585-1606.
Cheng, J., Subramanian, N., Gunasekaran, A., Yu, J. & Ning, K. (2014). Customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the Chinese E-retailing: Structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to identify the role of quality factors. Expert Systems with Applications, 41 (1), 69-80.
Craiut, L., Bungau, C., Bungau, T., Grava, C., Otrisal, P., & Radu, A. F. (2022). Technology Transfer, Sustainability, and Development, Worldwide and in Romania. Sustainability, 14(23), 15728. https://doi.org/10.3390/su 142315728
Demiric Orel, F. & Kara, A. (2013). Supermarket self-checkout service quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty: Empirical evidence from an emerging market. Journal of Retailing and Consumer services, 21(2), 118-129.
Elsan, M. & Yousefi, M. (2019). Legal Aspects of Technology Transfer through Foreign Investment in Oil and Gas Industry. Petroleum Business Review, 3 (2), 55-65.
Giorcelli, M. & Li, B. (2021). Technology Transfer and Early Industrial Development: Evidence from the Sino-Soviet Alliance. Working Papers. 29455. DOI 10.3386/w29455
Guderzi, M. & Khajeh Nasir, Sh. (2013). Choosing the right technology cooperation method for graphite electrode production in Iran. Information Technology Development Management, 1(4), 131-160. (in Persian)
Hanafi, M., Wibisono, D., Mangkusubroto, K., Siallagan, M. & Badriyah, M.J.K. (2019). Designing smelter industry investment competitiveness policy in Indonesia through system dynamics model. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, 10(3), 617-641.
Hilson, A.E. & Ovadia, J.S. (2020). Local content in developing and middle-income countries: towards a more holistic strategy. The Extractive Industries and Society, 7(2), 253-262.
Honarpour, A., Jusoh, A. & Long, C. S. (2017). Knowledge management and total quality management: a reciprocal relationship. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 34(1), 91-102.
Hong, J., Cha, J., & Park, K. (2023). Evaluation framework for facilitating the technology transfers of universities: Focusing on the perspective of technology donors. Plos One, 18(12), e0293951.
Hwang, W. S., Choi, H. & Shin, J. (2020). A mediating role of innovation capability between entrepreneurial competencies and competitive advantage. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 32(1), 1-14.
Khosravi, M. R., Shahroodi, K., Amirteimoori, A. & Delafrooz, N. (2022). Developing an Analytical-Mathematical Model for Evaluating the Efficiency of the Power Production, Transmission, and Distribution Companies in the Electric Power Industry of Iran: An Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) Approach with Undesirable Outputs. Industrial Management Journal, 14(2), 220-249. doi: 10.22059/imj.2022.339078.1007925 (in Persian)
Maleki, M.H., Rezaei, R., Adeli, O. & Rahimian, M.M. (2023). Presenting the framework of factors affecting the competitiveness of airline companies. Road Scientific Quarterly, 21(115), 283-306. (in Persian)
Quan, Y. & Duan, M. (2023). Emission reductions, industrial competitiveness, and spillover effects under China's regional emission trading systems: Evidence from the iron and steel sector. Journal of Environmental Management, 344, 118481.
Reyes, G. E. & Useche, A. J. (2019). Competitiveness, economic growth and human development in Latin American and Caribbean countries 2006-2015: a performance and correlation analysis. Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, 29(2), 139-159.
Safari, H. & Asgharizadeh, E. (2008). Measuring Competitiveness of IRAN’s National Petrochemical Company through Beysian Networks. Industrial Management Journal, 1(1), 1-15. (in Persian)
Sampath, P. G. (2012). Can the climate technology mechanism deliver its promise? Some issues and considerations. Realizing the potential of the UNFCCC technology mechanism, 1.
Shafi'i, A. & Mirabi, V.R. (2019). Design and validation of financing model in large steel industry companies. Financial Economy Quarterly, 14(51), 113-38. (in Persian)
Shih, H. C., Lai, Y. T., Yang, H. Y. & Ma, H. W. (2024). Development of secondary material competition modelling for evaluation of incentive policies on plastic waste. Journal of Cleaner Production, 434, 140195.
Vásquez Cordano, A. L., & Prialé Zevallos, R. (2021). Country competitiveness and investment allocation in the mining industry: A survey of the literature and new empirical evidence. Resources policy, 73, 102136.
Industrial Management Journal
Volume 16, Issue 2
2024
Pages 175-191

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics