Strategic Planning, Technological Adoption and Innovation in The Plastics Recycling Industry In Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between Strategic Planning, Technological Adoption and Innovation in the plastics recycling industry. The research problem was anchored around slow innovation in the industry which has created many problems that have far reaching effects on many different stakeholders. The objectives were to examine the relationship between strategic planning and innovation, to examine the relationship between technological adoption and innovation, to examine the relationship between strategic planning and technological adoption and to examine the mediating role of technological adoption on the relationship between strategic planning and innovation. The study adopted a cross sectional and quantitative approach. Data was obtained using a sample approach from 36 plastics recycling firms. A questionnaire was used to obtain data from three staff of each firm. Results show that both strategic planning and innovation are significantly and positively related (r = .706, p < .01), technological adoption and innovation are significantly related (r = .734, p< .01), strategic planning and technological adoption are significantly related (r = .862, p< .01) and that in the plastic recycling companies of Uganda, technology adoption does indeed mediate the relationship between strategic planning and innovation. To that end, it was recommended that plastic recycling firms in Uganda need to formulate and implement strategic plans for five to ten years of operation and review the strategies once a year. There is need to increase public awareness on the dangers of improper plastic waste disposal and the avenues through which the waste can best be managed. All plastic recycling firms should review the effectiveness of the technology they use on a regular annual basis so that they are not left behind since technology is a fast changing and highly dynamic concept. Government should provide incentives to the plastic recycling firms to enable them purchase requisite plastic recycling technologies.