Towards Investigating Innovation Perceptions of Leaders in the ICT Sector of Pakistan

Abstract

Innovation in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is critical for organizational growth and societal sustainability. However, the innovation capabilities of developing countries, particularly in the ICT sector, remain underexplored. This study is aimed at assessing the perceptions of senior leadership within Pakistan’s ICT sector to identify the factors contributing to the limited scope of innovation. Through qualitative interviews with senior leaders from various ICT organizations, this research explores their views on the definition, types, and driving factors of innovation. Most interview participants reported that the major type of innovation practiced at the ICT sector of Pakistan is “product,” the level is “partial replication,” and the major driving source is “factors external to the organization.” Based on these insights, we developed an innovation readiness framework (IRF) to help organizations enhance their innovation capacity. IRF is expected to provide actionable strategies for organizations to assess their current innovation practices, identify gaps, and adopt a structured approach to enhance both product development and operational processes. By addressing sector-specific challenges such as limited resources and regulatory barriers, the IRF is aimed at empowering organizations to move from replication to more original, impactful innovations. Hence, implementing this framework is expected to improve the sector’s competitiveness, drive sustainable growth, and contribute meaningfully to societal advancement by aligning with broader development goals.