Human-Computer Interaction Activities as a Basis in the Development of Innovations in Process: The Case of the Colombian Exporter SMEs

Abstract

The incorporation of best technological practices or components guides the development of processes and promotes transformations with new approaches in organizational structures. In this regard, it is necessary to increase productivity and competitiveness levels of SMEs. However, having greater knowledge about the type of activities to be implemented for the development of innovations in process is one of the main difficulties usually hindering the growth potential of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Among the key factors leading to innovation, we find the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) activities entailing cooperation and the pursuit of R&D activities based on that increase productivity and competitiveness. Nevertheless, several young or small firms do not have those capabilities, and it is paramount for them to know which type of HCI activities they must undertake to allocate their innovation resources adequately to obtain outstanding results. For this purpose, this paper aims to determine the effect of diverse HCI innovation activities on the deployment of innovations within exporter SMEs’ processes. First, we carried out a survey for collecting data on different innovation variables encompassing both activities and processes of 56 exporter SMEs. The data analyzed in this study derive from a structured questionnaire with 21 questions, out of which 16 measured orientations to process innovation, production and distribution methods, techniques, teams and technologies for production whin improve quality; and 5 questions measure the type of innovation activities, such as R&D, links to information sources, cooperation on innovation, scientific, technological, organizational and financial actions. The main economic sectors of these firms are chemical products, fertilizers and pesticides, pharmaceutical and medications, plastic and its manufactures, iron, steel and its manufactures, minerals, oils, vegetal and animals. The model proposed in this study through correlation tests and factorial analyses will allow companies in these economic sectors to know which are the different HCI innovation activities that should be pursued and allow them to devise strategies focusing their efforts and resources in innovative processes. Then, correlation tests and factor analyses were undertaken to identify the main HCI drivers of process innovations in these companies. The results revealed the association between the ease of the technological component through the development of scientific and technological activities with: the number of new or significantly improved processes, techniques, equipment and computer programs to optimize production (p-value = 0.005 χ2 = 12.67); with the implementation of a significant and improved distribution method (p-value = 0,001 χ2 = 15,59) and the implementation of a new production method (p-value = 0,030 χ2 = 7,014). Likewise, it is evinced a significant positive association between the investment on Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) and the number of significantly improved product distribution methods (p-value = 0.019 χ2 = 9.9). These results make it possible to identify the main drivers and the main HCI activities that have an effect on the deployment of process innovations that will benefit the activities of these companies in the long term and boost economic growth. This study serves as a guideline for countries where the required levels of productivity and competitiveness have not been achieved due to the low level of investment in innovation activities and technologies.