Unpacking socio-relational determinants of technology adoption: a perspective from the maritime ecosystem
Franchi, L.; Van Bockhaven, W.; Carlan, V.; Vanelslander, T. (2026). Unpacking socio-relational determinants of technology adoption: a perspective from the maritime ecosystem. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs . https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13437-026-00422-y
In: WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs. World Maritime University: Heidelberg. ISSN 1651-436X; e-ISSN 1654-1642, meer
Technology adoption within the complex and multi-actor maritime ecosystem is a process influenced not only by technological and economic factors, but also by relational interdependencies among ecosystem actors. Despite a wealth of research on technology adoption, the role of relationships in shaping adoption decisions remains largely overlooked. This study addresses this gap by introducing a relational perspective that shifts the focus from adoption as an individual choice to a process shaped by reciprocal interactions and interdependencies embedded within a broader ecosystem context. It thus provides a conceptual basis for technology adoption within the maritime ecosystem. Through a framework-driven literature review, this research identifies and classifies key relational determinants that shape technology adoption decisions across maritime ecosystem actors. The results show that the literature in this field still emphasises individual and product-related determinants, while social and relational dimensions are treated in a fragmented way. Relationships between buyers and sellers and interactions between buyers and their external ecosystem remain scarcely explored, limiting the explanatory capacity of existing technology adoption models and their applicability to the inherently interdependent nature of maritime innovation ecosystem. This research advances theory by enriching technology adoption studies with an ecosystem-oriented socio-relational perspective that captures collective elements of adoption behavior. On a practical level, it offers insights into managing social and relational complexities, improving collaboration and optimising technology deployment strategies at ecosystem level.
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