BUSINESS MODEL TRANSITION OF MARITIME AUTONOMOUS SURFACE SHIPS: NICHE INNOVATION OSCILLATING BETWEEN INSTITUTIONAL PRESSURE AND RESOURCE DEPENDENCE

Chung-Shan Yang

Proceedings of ICLT 2025

BUSINESS MODEL TRANSITION OF MARITIME AUTONOMOUS SURFACE SHIPS: NICHE INNOVATION OSCILLATING BETWEEN INSTITUTIONAL PRESSURE AND RESOURCE DEPENDENCE

Chung-Shan Yang

Department of Aviation and Maritime Transportation Management, Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan

International Conference on Logistics & Transport 2025, Tokyo, Japan, pp. 53-72

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Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the transformation of business models in the maritime industry through the lens of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). It aims to explore how the interplay of institutional pressures and resource dependence influences firms’ innovation orientation and acceptance of autonomous technologies, framing MASS as a niche innovation reshaping the maritime logistics ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach: Grounded in Institutional Theory and Resource Dependence Theory, this study conceptualizes the transition toward MASS as a function of both institutional and resource-driven dynamics. Data were collected from senior executives in Taiwan’s maritime logistics sector. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed to empirically validate the proposed theoretical framework. Findings: The results show that institutional pressures—such as regulatory mandates, safety compliance, and stakeholder expectations—positively influence both firms' resource configurations and their orientation toward innovation. These pressures are also directly associated with more favorable attitudes toward MASS adoption. Conversely, while resource dependence promotes innovation, it also contributes to negative attitudes toward MASS, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. Niche innovations, including digitalization, automation, and blockchain, were found to enhance support for autonomous shipping. Practical implications

Keywords

Institutional pressure; Resource dependence; Niche innovations; Attitudes toward the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)

Citation

Chung-Shan Yang (2025). BUSINESS MODEL TRANSITION OF MARITIME AUTONOMOUS SURFACE SHIPS: NICHE INNOVATION OSCILLATING BETWEEN INSTITUTIONAL PRESSURE AND RESOURCE DEPENDENCE. Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics & Transport (ICLT 2025), Tokyo, Japan, pp. 53-72.