Challenges of Radical Technological Transition in the Restaurant Industry Within Developing Countries

Abstract

The advent of smart technologies, particularly those associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), has fundamentally restructured the delivery of services by industries, including the restaurant industry. However, radical technological transitions or innovations in restaurants enterprises has been gradual, cautious, and even timid, rather than radical in developing countries. Available studies explored the benefits of smart technologies but placed little focus on why restaurants would prefer a gradual rather than a radical transition to modern technology, particularly in developing countries. With a focus on developing countries, this article utilises a critical document review to explore the challenges of radical technological transitions in the restaurant industry. It was found that in addition to organisational culture, infrastructural barriers, and education and training, financial constraints are among the key barriers and challenges. It recommends that governments need to roll out public technological and digital infrastructure to ease the burden of technological transition by small businesses, such as restaurants which, by their nature, are low-profit enterprises and do not afford radical technological transitions.

Keywords

• fourth industrial revolution
• hospitality
• technological transition
• restaurants
• tourism