Intention to Adopt Next-Level Technology in Food and Beverage Manufacturing SMEs in Bangladesh: UTAUT Model and Business Continuity Theory

The performance of SMEs will keep the wheel of the country’s economy turning. Upgrading the technologies currently used in SMEs will make the manufacturing process of food and beverage (F&B) industries more efficient. These firms are still using traditional equipment and machinery in their F&B manufacturing process; however, it is 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 analyzed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS software. The results showed that disaster preparedness and business continuity had significant effects on the intention to adopt; similarly, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence were also significant in the intention to adopt the next level of IR technologies. The moderating role of government support and policy had mixed effects on intention. The study is significant because disaster preparedness and business continuity plans are utilized in technology adoption and intention scenarios. To investigate this intention, the study adopted two perspectives: the influence and role of disasters and hazards on SMEs through disaster preparedness and business continuity plans, and secondly, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) for measuring the intention. The study contributed to these two theories in a new context with constructs. The study will also contribute to policymakers in developing constructive policies and providing effective financial and non-financial support for F&B manufacturing SMEs.

Intention to Adopt Next-Level Technology in Food and Beverage Manufacturing SMEs in Bangladesh: UTAUT Model and Business Continuity Theory Keywords:

Adoption Intention: Bangladesh , Business continuity , Disaster Preparedness , F&B Manufacturing SMEs , Government Support and Policy , IT technology , UTAUT model