Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Professor, Department of Business Administration Faculty of Economics, Management, and Administrative Sciences, University of Semnan, Semnan, Iran
2
PhD Student in Business Administration, Marketing Concentration Faculty of Economics, Management, and Administrative Sciences, University of Semnan, Semnan, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of artificial intelligence in driving innovation and shaping investment strategies for the development of smart surgical services within Iran's healthcare system. It focuses on identifying the barriers, opportunities, and strategies to advance this technology in the Iranian healthcare context.
Materials & Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 key stakeholders, including surgeons, hospital managers, technology developers, investors, and health policymakers. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the assistance of NVivo software. In the quantitative phase, data from 30 hospitals equipped with smart surgical technologies, primarily located in major cities across Iran, were collected and analyzed using linear regression and economic modeling.
Results: In the qualitative analysis, three main categories were identified: barriers to investment (including financial and infrastructural constraints), opportunities for innovation (such as increased surgical precision and reduced operation time), and inter-organizational collaboration (partnerships with technology companies and support from policymakers). The findings demonstrated that artificial intelligence has a significant impact on the efficiency of surgical services (β = 0.750, p = 0.007) and return on investment (ROI) (β = 0.680, p = 0.009). However, currency limitations reduce the ROI from 15.3% under optimal conditions to 8.0% in practice.
Conclusion: The research findings indicate that fully realizing the potential of artificial intelligence in smart surgery requires strategic investment, supportive policies, and the development of technological infrastructure. An operational framework based on open innovation theories and dynamic capabilities can assist decision-makers chart a sustainable path for the advancement of smart technologies within Iran's healthcare system.
Keywords