Model levels

Questionnaire contents

Variables

References

Object level

Communicating with

suppliers

Details of products technology

Zhu & Zeng (2017);

Borghini et al. (2006)

Problems in the use of existing products

Current situation of the industry market

Technological progress in the industry

Relationship maintenance with existing suppliers

Relationship construction with potential suppliers

Communicating with

other visitors

News on the management/strategy

of top enterprises in the industry

Ideas on the application prospect of new technology

Common problems

Relationship construction with other visitors

Action level

Direct conversations

Talking about the current situation of the industry

Interviews

Talking about the technological/conceptual

progress of the industry

Zhu & Zeng (2017);

Borghini, Golfetto, and Rinallo (2006)

Talking about the future trend of the industry

Direct/Indirect

observation

Observing the communication of others

Observing and comparing the concepts of products

design, advantages and disadvantages of products

Observing and summarizing the distribution

of exhibits

Effect level

New technology

Solutions to existing problems

Borghini, Golfetto, and Rinallo (2006);

Zhu & Zeng (2017)

Basic information of new technology

Promoting products innovation according

to new technology

Market

Having access to new market opportunities information

Grasping the new trend of market development

Getting inspiration for products development or service innovation according to new market opportunities or development trends