Dissertation Title: The Impact of Institutional Pressures and Stakeholder Integration on Supply Chain Innovation (in Industry – Trade, Tirana & Durrës) 

Author: Eva HASA

• Institution: University of Tirana,  Faculty of Economics, Department of Management

• Field of study: Management

• Publication date: 09.01.2026

• The dissertation is published in Albanian.

© Copyright: Eva HASA

Published by the University of Tirana
Based on legal acts, regulations and policies of the UT

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ABSTRACT

This thesis aims to explore the impact of institutional pressures on supply chain innovation in the trading industry in Albania—a transition economy characterized by institutional space and the dominant presence of importing organizations. Theoretically based on the institutional approach of DiMaggio & Powell (1983), the study examines the role of coercive, normative, and imitative pressures in fostering innovative practices in the supply chain, including technological, logistical, and marketing innovation. Another important aspect of this study is the exploration of the role of supply chain integration as a factor that may influence the relationship between institutional pressures and the level of innovation. To better understand these relationships, a mixed research strategy was followed, where quantitative research was initially applied through PCA (Principal Component Analysis), CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) and multiple regression (stepwise method) techniques, while qualitative data were used in the subsequent phase to interpret the meaning of the empirical findings. The findings highlight the statistical significance of normative pressures and the role of integration as factors with a direct impact on the adoption of innovation in the supply chain. The thesis contributes to the literature on SCM and institutional theory, by providing practical recommendations for policymakers and managers in developing economies.

Field of study: Supply Chain Management

Keywords: Institutional Pressures, Supply Chain Innovation, Supply Chain Integration, Trade Industry

 

ABSTRACT 

This dissertation aims to explore the impact of institutional pressures on supply chain innovation in the trade industry in Albania — a transition economy characterized by institutional voids and the dominant presence of importing organizations. Grounded in institutional theory of DiMaggio & Powell (1983), the study examines the role of coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures in fostering innovative practices across the supply chain, including technological, logistical, and marketing innovations. Another key aspect of the study is the exploration of supply chain integration as a factor that may influence the relationship between institutional pressures and the level of innovation. To better understand these relationships, a mixed-methods research strategy was adopted. Initially, quantitative techniques such as PCA (Principal Component Analysis), CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis), and multiple regression (stepwise method) were applied, followed by qualitative data collection to interpret and deepen the understanding of the empirical findings. The results highlight the statistical significance of normative pressures and the role of integration as direct drivers of innovation adoption in supply chains. This thesis contributes to the literature on supply chain management and institutional theory, offering practical recommendations for policymakers and managers in developing economies. 

Field of Study: Supply Chain Management 

keywords: Institutional Pressures, Supply Chain Innovation, Supply Chain Integration, The trade industry