Table 3

Economic contextual factors identified affecting PTTSs; no data were retrieved for Denmark and India

CountryInvestmentsTechnical and digital capacities
TurkeyHigh costs imposed on stakeholders; however, not investing meant no sales, providing sufficient incentive to invest.43
EthiopiaOne of the lowest smartphone ownership rates globally hampered adoption.27
GermanyMinimal investments required.30Existing healthcare IT was fragmented, but this was well managed thanks to the adjustability of the system.30
Hong KongInvestments were required, but the effectiveness of the investment was unclear. Implementation was costly, time-consuming and difficult.31Current technical settings hampered the adoption of technologies.45
IranCurrent ICT structures were insufficient for the application of PTTS technologies.33
PakistanThe lack of digital inventory management was a key barrier.27
PolandThe proposed implementation required significant investments.34Pharmacies were not supported by electronic necessities.34
TaiwanHigh initial investments were the key barrier to implementation, especially since the eventual benefits were hard to envision.35
UKSupply chain actors were expected to invest much time and workforce resources.36Hospitals did not have all technical prerequisites, and hospitals in rural areas might experience problems with their internet connection.36
USAInvestments in terms of finances and staff necessary to implement PTTSs were extensive, and supply chain actors were hesitant of investing.40Most PTTSs were not interoperable with existing computer systems used by supply chain actors.40
  • ICT, information and communications technology; IT, information technology; PTTS, pharmaceutical track-and-trace system.