Technology acceptance, enabling adoption in the public sector - a practitioner’s perspective

Abstract

Within the UK Public Sector, the railway is a publicly owned asset whose operating of trains is contracted through to different organisations. Network Rail features as the infrastructure owner and charges out access to the train operators. In doing so it overseas the timetable, infrastructure assets and the majority of technology introduction due to the investment in renewals and enhancement programmes. Widely publicised in 2021, the need for industry reform to better support passengers and freight was articulated in the paper presented by Shapps and Williams (2021) including the need to improve the acceptance of technology. Responding to this need, the aims of the research are as follows; To offer credible and usable information and guidance which can be applied to policy and practice that will enable Network Rail to be successful in technology acceptance. Influencing company policy and real-world practices relating to technology acceptance will increase the chance of successful technology acceptance meaning improved efficiency as well as further cost avoidance. Making sure that changes in the way the business works effect both its leadership and those who inform positive outcomes at a project level will enable the business to redefine how it engages with the technology acceptance process to maximise efficiency. An aim of the research is to also look at the practical value of the available frameworks and models which are available and how they can be applied in practice for both technology acceptance and success. When considering the model and frameworks, some may not be applicable within the railway environment. This could be due to numerous reasons such as they were developed specifically for mining which is not an activity or environment undertaken by the railway, however determinants within the model or framework may still be applicable. The availability of technology could be a determinant related to mining which also relates to the railway even if the overarching framework does not offer synergies. This is why both the determinants, and the model or framework are important when considering the application. Therefore, recommendations of the research will consider the suitability of the models identified. The research objectives which follow inspire the research questions which guide the whole thesis and study.