Textile and Apparel Industries

Technology Adoption in the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Case Study

---

Abstract

As Bangladeshi apparel industry is playing a significant role in the global market, this industry’s technology adoption-related behavior is worth investigating. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to understand the technology adoption-related factors and influences perceived by top industry professionals including managing directors, CEOs, and operation heads of apparel firms. This study employed a two-step analytical approach of sampling and included four cases: two large factories, one medium factory, and one relatively small factory. A semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted, and the findings identified are organized according to the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework. The findings indicate that, adoption decision is primarily based on perceived benefits, technical compatibility, investment cost, and availability of training and technical support. This study helps the stakeholders of Bangladesh’s apparel industry to understand the apparel firms’ technology adoption behavior and adds insights to the global knowledge domain of technology diffusion and transfer.

Keywords: Technology adoption, Apparel industry, Bangladesh, TOE framework, Fashion technology, Apparel manufacturing technology, Top management

How to Cite:

Iqbal, M. & Su, J., (2022) “Technology Adoption in the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Case Study”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13553