Process Techno-Innovation Using TQM in Developing Countries Empirical Study of Deming Prize Winners

Techno-innovation has been competitive edge for most manufacturing companies. Rapid advancement in technologyinnovation geared-up with global mega-competition has resulted in unprecedented economic growth where TQM has played major role. Despite slow economic growth in developing countries caused by incapability to develop their own technology, failure to make wise decision in adopting competent technology, and inability to properly utilize adopted technologies; tremendous developments are seen in some. Examples can be Indian companies that won the prestigious Deming Prize and Japan Quality Medal after adopting necessary technologies from Japan under TQM. We have addressed process techno-innovation by 4M (Man, Machine, Method, Material) and 1E (working condition-corporate culture) approach. Results indicate that TQM affects process techno-innovation by primary effect on human resource and working condition/corporate culture. Three stage gates vis-a-vis: process understanding, process improvement and technology learning, and process techno-innovation are the mechanisms through which TQM promotes process techno-innovation in developing countries.