Linkages of technology adoption and adaptation with technological capability, flexibility and success of AMT implementation in Indian manufacturing industry: An empirical study

Abstract

Technological capability represents the abilities of productive enterprises to handle industrial technologies and cope with technological change. There are many reports that deal with the technological and operational aspects of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT), but the adoption and adaptation as key phase in the implementation of AMT for developing technological capabilities, achieving flexibilities and success are not paid due attention. Realizing the importance of AMT, an empirical study has been conducted in this paper with an objective to gain more insights. This research reports the findings of an exploratory study of North Indian medium and large scale manufacturing organizations, which are in the process of adopting and adapting new technologies. For achieving flexibilities and developing technological capabilities in Indian manufacturing industry, the most significant factors established through this study include Human factor in terms of their skill, technical expertise, training, involvement, attitude and Employees education. The findings suggest that such factors may be quite important to manufacturing firms trying to compete through flexibility competence and technological capabilities. The results also suggest that an organization could deploy specific practices to strengthen their technological capabilities.