The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly recognized as a key driver of digital transformation; however, its adoption in developing economies such as Nepal remains fragmented and context-dependent. While prior studies have primarily focused on infrastructural limitations and policy gaps, limited empirical attention has been given to the role of collaboration in enabling IoT adoption. This study examines how industry-led collaboration influences IoT adoption in Nepal by introducing the concept of IoT synergy, defined as the interaction among firms, institutions, and knowledge networks that collectively shape adoption outcomes.
A mixed-method research design was employed, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires from IoT-related firms and professionals with qualitative insights from open-ended responses. The study analyzes five key dimensions: technological readiness, economic feasibility, policy support, market awareness, and collaborative synergy. Descriptive statistics and reliability analysis were conducted using SPSS, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to complement the quantitative findings.
The results indicate that collaboration-oriented factors such as inter-firm coordination, academia industry linkage, and knowledge sharing significantly enhance IoT adoption readiness. Technological readiness also demonstrates strong influence, whereas policy and regulatory support remain comparatively weak. The findings highlight that IoT adoption in Nepal is not solely driven by technological or financial capacity, but is strongly dependent on the strength of collaborative ecosystems.
This study contributes to the literature by positioning collaboration as a critical enabler of IoT adoption in developing contexts. It further provides practical implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders to foster integrated, network-driven innovation ecosystems for scalable IoT implementation in Nepal.