Digital Textile Innovation and Smart Agriculture for Economic Diversification: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Broadband Access, and Public-private Partnership Ecosystem in Southeast Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examined the influence of digital textile innovation and smart agricultural systems on economic diversification in Southeast Nigeria, with particular emphasis on STEM integration, broadband-enabled infrastructure, and public–private partnership (PPP) mechanisms. The study was grounded in an innovation diffusion and digital economy framework and adopted a mixed-methods research design to generate both statistical and contextual evidence. A sample of 275 respondents, drawn from textile entrepreneurs, agricultural technology adopters, STEM educators, and ICT-based start-up operators, was surveyed using structured questionnaires. Constructs measured included digital textile adoption index, smart agriculture integration score, STEM exposure level, broadband accessibility rating, and PPP effectiveness scale. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with selected innovation stakeholders to complement quantitative findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and SmartPLS 4. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was employed to determine the strength and direction of relationships among variables, while one-way Analysis of Variance tested group mean differences across institutional and demographic categories. Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was further applied to estimate predictive pathways and effect sizes among latent constructs. Results indicated statistically significant positive relationships between digital textile innovation and smart agricultural productivity (r > 0.60, p < 0.05). Broadband accessibility and STEM exposure demonstrated strong predictive effects on entrepreneurial innovation outcomes (β > 0.50, p < 0.01). PPP mechanisms significantly enhanced technology transfer efficiency and ecosystem scalability (p < 0.05), although infrastructural deficits and uneven digital literacy levels moderated overall impact strength. The study concluded that integrated digital textile–agricultural systems significantly improved economic diversification outcomes when supported by STEM capacity development, broadband infrastructure expansion, and effective PPP frameworks. It recommended intensified digital infrastructure investment, structured innovation hubs, and stronger industry–academia collaboration to sustain regional technological competitiveness and inclusive growth.