Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Torculas, Paul Justin F. |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | Technology assessment of MSMEs in the food industry under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP): a focus on product development capability |
| Date Issued | 22 May 2026 |
| Abstract | This study assessed the product development capability and innovation maturity of SETUP-assisted food micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) using an integrated socio-technical assessment framework. It was based on the premise that technology upgrading alone does not automatically lead to sustained innovation capability. Instead, technology adoption must be examined in relation to organizational systems, product development processes, and manufacturing readiness. Guided by socio-technical systems theory, the study integrated the Technology-Organization-Environment-People-Process (TOEPP) framework, the Stage-Gate product development model, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) indicators. A mixed-method assessment design was employed involving 23 SETUP-assisted food MSMEs from Quezon City, Manila, and Makati under the DOST-NCR PAMAMAZON Cluster. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to generate firm-level capability profiles, cross-case insights, and an integrated understanding of product development capability among the participating firms. The findings show that most firms fall within the Developing to Growing levels of capability. This indicates that many firms actively engage in product development and technology utilization, but differ in the degree to which these practices are formalized, documented, and institutionalized. Quantitative results showed generally high scores across TOEPP, Stage-Gate, TRL, and MRL dimensions, suggesting favorable conditions for product development and innovation. However, qualitative findings revealed that many firms still rely on informal, owner-driven, and experience-based approaches, particularly in documentation, process standardization, and innovation management. The study also found that technology readiness does not automatically translate into manufacturing readiness and scaling capability. Several firms continue to experience constraints related to fina |
| Degree Course | Master of Technology Management |
| Language | English |
| Keyword | TOEPP; DOST; SETUP; MSME; Manufacturing Readiness Level; Technology Readiness Level; Stage-Gate |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
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Category : F - Regular work, i.e., it has no patentable invention or creation, the author does not wish for personal publication, there is no confidential information.
Access Permission : Open Access