Dr Michelle van Rooyen

In this thesis, An integrated framework to enable the strategic improvement of technology innovation management, the candidate addresses the challenge of managing uncertainty associated with technology innovation. By conducting a systematic literature review and employing interpretive structural modelling and MICMAC research, this research identifies and explores interrelationships between success factors across the different stages of the innovation process. An integrated framework for managing technology innovation was developed by drawing insights from case studies and interviews conducted in an innovation-focused South African research and technology organisation, which provides practical guidance to organisations adopting linear or non-linear innovation processes. The framework enables organisations to assess their innovation management practices, identify strengths and weaknesses, and formulate strategic interventions for improving how technology innovation is managed. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field of technology innovation management, with implications for reducing uncertainty and improving innovation practices across organisations.

Study Leader:             Prof E van der Lingen

Dr Marie-James Sibe

In this thesis, On the technological capabilities of indigenous firms, the candidate studied the development of technological capabilities in developed and emerging economies. In all the economies studied, it was evident that government must intentionally create incentives and impetus for indigenous firms to develop technological capabilities in any industrial sector. The researcher developed a framework for determining technological capabilities, which was applied to provide a comparative assessment of technological capabilities in several developed and emerging economies. The framework was mainly applied to examine the technological capabilities of indigenous firms in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. The analysis demonstrates that initiatives by the Nigerian government to build the indigenous capability of oil and gas firms have not yielded the desired impact. The study results prove the technological colonisation of indigenous oil and gas firms in Nigeria. The study is anticipated to inform further development of the recently enacted Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

Study Leader:

Prof Joe Amadi-Echendu