{"title":"A Peruvian Machine learning model for E-commerce product matching in South America, Spain and Portugal","authors":"B. Arriaga, A. Gómez, A. Palacios, W. Aliaga","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid growth of e-Commerce in Latin America, driven by the increase in digital adoption among younger generations and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped how businesses engage with consumers. In Peru alone, the number of online shoppers increased by 131% between 2019 and 2021. However, the lack of a standardized global product identifier continues to hinder product comparison across platforms, weakening the Zero Moment of Truth (ZMOT) and reducing consumers’ ability to make informed purchasing decisions. To address this challenge, this study proposes a multimodal product classification model that combines natural language processing and image analysis to identify and match similar products in online retail stores. The model leverages textual embeddings and visual features to overcome inconsistencies in product descriptions and naming conventions, particularly within the Peruvian market. A data set of local product listings was compiled and used to train and evaluate multiple classifiers, the XGBoost model achieving 92. 7% precision and a 93. 6% F1 score. Beyond local performance, the model was tested in additional South American markets, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, demonstrating robustness against linguistic and cultural differences. The proposed system enables more accurate product discovery, price comparison, and competitor monitoring, offering practical benefits for both consumers and businesses. Ultimately, this work contributes to the advancement of E-Commerce infrastructure in emerging markets and supports more informed and efficient decision-making across diverse retail ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 100561"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hai Chau Thi Dang, Phuong Linh Thi Nguyen, Phuong Linh Thi Le, Tien Thoan Hoang Nguyen, Binh Thanh Vu
{"title":"Impact of big data analytics capabilities on sustainable performance of Vietnamese retail companies: The mediating role of innovation","authors":"Hai Chau Thi Dang, Phuong Linh Thi Nguyen, Phuong Linh Thi Le, Tien Thoan Hoang Nguyen, Binh Thanh Vu","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) have been pivotal to retail companies, their effects on innovation capabilities and sustainable performance have not been investigated systematically thus far. Therefore, this study explores the influence of BDAC on the innovation capabilities and sustainable performance of retail companies, with a focus on the mediating role of innovation capabilities. By utilizing the partial least squares method on survey data from 315 Vietnamese retail managers, the findings reveal that the three BDAC dimensions have markedly positive impacts on innovation capabilities. Moreover, innovation capabilities significantly drive improvements across three key dimensions of sustainable performance, including economics, environment, and society. In addition, innovation capabilities constructively mediate the relationship between BDAC and firm sustainable performance. Capitalizing on such findings, our study suggests that retail enterprises should advance the big data infrastructure and personnel to increase firm performance while achieving sustainability. A limitation of this study remains in the representativeness of the data due to the geographic focus of survey participants. Future avenues should explore further innovation capabilities in terms of products and business models, and investigate the role of BDAC in other industries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 100569"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144296910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Engaging consumer-level open innovation collaborators in circular supply chains: A study on end-of-life product return motivations","authors":"Wutthiya Aekthanate Srisathan , Benjawan Srikhanthon , Khemjira Sawai , Piyagorn Kumwong , Phaninee Naruetharadhol","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100571","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100571","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As consumer behavior in circular supply chains becomes increasingly critical for sustainability, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving end-of-life (EOL) product return decisions is necessary. This study investigates how consumer-level open innovation influences EOL product return proclivity by examining the mediating role of perceived return leniency and its downstream effects on incentive mechanisms, ease of the return process, and perceived return risks. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample of 387 Thai consumers, the analysis empirically validates a conceptual framework linking consumer knowledge search, cooperation, and inclusivity to perceived return policy leniency and return behavior. Findings reveal that consumer inclusivity significantly enhances perceived return leniency, which in turn fosters higher return engagement through incentives and ease of return processes. However, financial incentives alone do not significantly influence return proclivity, indicating that consumers prioritize convenience and policy leniency over monetary rewards. Additionally, while perceived return risks were hypothesized to negatively affect return proclivity, results indicate no significant effect, suggesting that risk perceptions may not strongly deter EOL return behavior. From a theoretical perspective, the study advances open innovation theory by positioning consumers as active collaborators in circular supply chains, demonstrating that inclusivity-driven return policies enhance engagement in sustainability-driven return programs. Moreover, integrating economic and behavioral incentives refines existing models of consumer motivation in circular economies. For practitioners, the results highlight the importance of consumer-centric return policies that emphasize transparency, accessibility, and procedural ease rather than relying solely on financial incentives. Policymakers can apply empirical findings to design regulatory frameworks and incentive structures that facilitate higher consumer participation in EOL return programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 100571"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144322630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An overview of factors influencing the adoption of IoT payment systems in South Africa’s small and medium-sized retail enterprises","authors":"Kudzayi Matekaire, Raj Siriram","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100566","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100566","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to transform South Africa's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) payment systems, creating a new digital ecosystem where everyday objects can seamlessly perform payment transactions. Retail SME survival and continuity depend on the ability to adopt innovative methods that ensure long-term sustainability. Despite the value proposition of adopting IoT payment systems, retail SMEs and consumers in South Africa generally have not yet adopted them, resulting in reduced efficiency, poor customer experiences, limited data insights, competitive disadvantages, and increased cash-related crimes. This review bridges the gap in understanding the factors that drive the adoption of IoT payment systems among South African retail SMEs, presenting a conceptual framework for understanding their adoption in this sector. We developed the conceptual framework by integrating theoretical triangulation and insights from the literature review, setting a foundation for future empirical research. This paper identifies and explains several key factors influencing the adoption of IoT payment systems specifically by South Africa's Retail SMEs, including technological, environmental, organizational, and individual elements, along with both facilitators and inhibitors. Understanding these factors allows retail SME owners, IoT practitioners, and policymakers to formulate policies that promote the widespread adoption of IoT technologies in South Africa's retail SME payment systems and make well-informed strategic decisions regarding resource allocation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 3","pages":"Article 100566"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144263911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Green economic growth: Convergence patterns and eco-productivity clusters","authors":"Oleksii Lyulyov , Tetyana Pimonenko","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100567","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100567","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Given the intersecting challenges of climate instability, resource constraints, and digital transformation, there is an urgent need for scholarly inquiry into the evolving patterns of green economic growth to inform evidence-based strategies for fostering sustainable and inclusive development across the European region. This study explores green growth trajectories in European Union (EU) countries and Ukraine, focusing on convergence patterns, eco-productivity clustering, and the influence of digitalisation and institutional quality. Using the Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index (TFPCH) and σ- and β-convergence approaches, the analysis reveals evidence of long-term β-convergence, while short-term convergence remains weak due to institutional and technological disparities. Conditional convergence results highlight the positive role of institutional quality, whereas digitalisation, proxied by AI investments, shows a limited uniform impact. Cluster analysis identifies three eco-productivity groups, with Ukraine forming a distinct cluster marked by weaker institutions and declining green productivity. The findings suggest that convergence is not automatic, requiring strong governance and regionally adaptive policies. Recommendations include strengthening institutional capacity, addressing the digital divide, supporting knowledge transfer, and investing in green-oriented human capital. The study acknowledges limitations related to timeframe, digital proxies, and data coverage, and calls for future research incorporating broader digital and social indicators and spatial econometric analysis to better understand regional spillovers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 2","pages":"Article 100567"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144242188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hamid H. Hussien , Nuha Hassan Hagabdulla , Khalda M.Y. Ahmed , Fatima Ibrahim Abdallah Albadwi , Khuloud Nawaf Alotaibi
{"title":"The impact of economic growth on public health and well-being: An empirical analysis of Saudi Arabia","authors":"Hamid H. Hussien , Nuha Hassan Hagabdulla , Khalda M.Y. Ahmed , Fatima Ibrahim Abdallah Albadwi , Khuloud Nawaf Alotaibi","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100564","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100564","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Economic growth profoundly influences public health, however, its effects on specific health indicators can diverge. This study investigates the relationship between economic growth and health outcomes in Saudi Arabia, focusing on Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Life Expectancy at Birth (LEB), and adult obesity prevalence (Ob18 +). Utilizing secondary data from the World Bank (2000–2023), supplemented by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics and the World Health Organization, we applied descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, standard normal distribution tests, exponential smoothing, and ARIMA modeling to assess trends and associations. Findings reveal a significant inverse relationship between IMR and economic indicators, highlighting improvements in child health and longevity. Conversely, rising Ob18 + rates, particularly among females, correlate with increasing GDP and GNI per capita, reflecting dietary and lifestyle shifts. Hypothesis testing confirms statistically significant gender disparities in Ob18 + levels and a national prevalence exceeding the global average. This study addresses a notable gap in the literature by providing obesity-specific time-series analysis within the Saudi context. While economic growth enhances healthcare access and longevity, it also contributes to obesity-related health risks. Policy interventions focusing on preventive healthcare, nutrition education, and lifestyle modifications are essential to mitigate obesity-related challenges while sustaining economic-driven health improvements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 2","pages":"Article 100564"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144230357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Post-crisis growth: Resource orchestration, innovation, and diversification in MSMEs","authors":"Erlinda Nusron Yunus, Erni Ernawati, Endah Nuraini, Kartika Yuniarti","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores how micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) can improve their performance in the aftermath of a crisis by effectively managing their resources, encouraging innovation, and diversifying their operations. Drawing on Resource Orchestration Theory (ROT), this study employs a mixed-method approach, first conducting interviews with seven business owners to identify key post-crisis strategies, followed by a survey of 352 MSMEs in Indonesia to test these insights using a structural equation model (SEM). The results show that effective resource management is the key to boosting innovation and diversification. Innovation leads to better performance and supports diversification. However, this study finds no empirical support for a direct link between diversification and performance, suggesting that diversification may not always be an optimal strategy for MSMEs in a crisis. This study sheds light on how MSMEs in emerging economies can build resilience and achieve sustainable growth, thereby enriching the literature and offering practical guidance to business owners and policymakers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 2","pages":"Article 100570"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eneng Nur Hasanah, Deddy P. Koesrindartoto, Sudarso Kaderi Wiryono, Agnes Enya Angelica
{"title":"Who deserves to be the finfluencer?","authors":"Eneng Nur Hasanah, Deddy P. Koesrindartoto, Sudarso Kaderi Wiryono, Agnes Enya Angelica","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100553","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100553","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Financial influencers (finfluencers) are prevalent across various social media platforms, addressing a wide range of financial topics tailored to audience needs. In response to this phenomenon, this study examines the characteristics and content strategies of the top nine finfluencers on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, with a particular focus on their potential impact on investor behavior. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research explores eight key dimensions: finfluencer’s power, interactivity, content quality, character, collaboration, advertising strategies, content packaging, and credibility. The findings indicate that financial investment topics dominate the content landscape, with a strong emphasis on promoting specific stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other investment products. Despite their growing popularity, the study identifies a significant gap, as most finfluencers lack formal education or certification in finance, raising concerns about the dissemination of misinformation and the potential for risky investment advice. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the diverse roles assumed by finfluencers, including independent investors and traders, financial planners, and frugal living advocates. These roles significantly shape their ability to convey financial knowledge and influence the investment decisions of their audiences. This study also underscore the need for stricter regulatory oversight by financial authorities and enhanced accountability mechanisms on social media platforms, where transparency from finfluencers is crucial in ensuring ethical practices and fostering audience trust, particularly concerning financial decision-making. Finally, this research represents the first in-depth study to systematically analyse financial content on social media through a comprehensive content analysis approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 2","pages":"Article 100553"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144185231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A practical approach to designing internal control systems in SMEs","authors":"Pierluigi Santosuosso","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The internal control system (ICS) plays a crucial role in safeguarding firms against risks that could hinder the achievement of business objectives. However, implementing an effective ICS in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) poses unique challenges, including a lack of skilled personnel in management and limited financial resources. This study introduces a procedure made up of a series of straightforward steps to assist SMEs in developing an ICS. The procedure is designed to provide a satisfactory rather than optimal solution consistently with the bounded rationality approach. It offers three key advantages: (1) judgment-based decision-making, allowing decision makers to assess risks based on their expertise rather than formalized quantitative analyses (2) a flexible decision-making framework that guides decision makers without imposing rigid cognitive processes, and (3) firm-specific decision-making, ensuring that the ICS aligns with the unique characteristics of each firm. An illustrative example demonstrates its applicability. The analysis starts with a sample of 261 small Italian firms specializing in cultural heritage restoration services, which serves as the basis for identifying hazards that could affect firm profitability. By providing an accessible and cost-effective tool, this study offers SMEs a practical alternative to traditional ICS frameworks that require greater financial and human resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 2","pages":"Article 100565"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144242298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Indah Fajarini Sri Wahyuningrum , Mochamad Arief Budihardjo , Agung Nur Probohudono , Heri Yanto , Shanty Oktavilia
{"title":"An analysis of water disclosure quantities: Evidence from agricultural companies in Indonesia","authors":"Indah Fajarini Sri Wahyuningrum , Mochamad Arief Budihardjo , Agung Nur Probohudono , Heri Yanto , Shanty Oktavilia","doi":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The significant reliance on water in Indonesia’s agricultural sector raises critical concerns regarding the transparency and accountability of corporate water management practices. Correspondingly, this study investigated the extent of water disclosure quantities by agricultural companies in Indonesia between 2016 and 2022. Using a purposive sampling technique, 118 analytical units were selected for examination. The research employed content analysis of sustainability and annual reports, guided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, to assess the breadth of water-related information disclosed, focusing on the number of disclosures rather than their quality or financial impacts. Two indices from previous studies were applied to comprehensively evaluate disclosure trends. The results reveal that most companies disclosed less than 50 % of the applicable water-related indicators, indicating limited transparency in water reporting practices. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations (UNSP) demonstrated the highest disclosure levels, particularly in categories such as water policy and water management. These findings suggest that while regulatory frameworks exist, companies often adopt minimal disclosure strategies, possibly to maintain legitimacy rather than demonstrate full accountability. This study contributes to the literature by distinguishing between the quantity and quality of disclosures and providing a structured, indicator-based framework for evaluating corporate transparency in water reporting. The study offers valuable insights for regulators, practitioners, and sustainability advocates aiming to strengthen water governance in resource-intensive sectors of emerging economies like Indonesia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16678,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity","volume":"11 2","pages":"Article 100563"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144253841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}