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Digital transformation in government services represents a strategic shift that leverages digital technologies to enhance efficiency, accessibility, convenience, and user-centricity. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments accelerated the digitisation of services to support remote access and social distancing. Governments typically progress from digitisation (converting physical processes into digital formats) to digitalisation (automating service delivery and improving process efficiency), and ultimately to full digital transformation, where services are completed instantly and entirely online. However, varying levels of maturity across countries influence service outcomes differently, and indicators related to service quality, convenience, and security remain underexamined, particularly in developing contexts. This study addresses these gaps by examining Kuwait’s progress along the digitalisation–digital transformation continuum. It investigates current trends and user preferences in the use of digital government services based on empirical quantitative data collected from users in Kuwait. Specifically, the research objectives are fourfold: (i) to identify crucial outcome metrics for the success of digital government services, (ii) to assess user evaluations of these services according to these metrics, (iii) to examine significant differences between digital transformation and digitalisation services, and (iv) to develop and empirically test a model for evaluating digital transformation success. Drawing on established Information Systems’ (ISs’) success perspectives, a customised conceptual model incorporating six outcome metrics in three domains—service-related (user satisfaction, service quality), convenience-related (accessibility, ease of use), and security-related (perceived security, perceived trust)—was developed. A survey of 378 users of digital government services in Kuwait was conducted to compare perceptions across service types using independent-samples t-tests and linear regression analyses. The study found that users primarily accessed government services through smartphones and dedicated applications, highlighting the importance of mobile optimisation, and showed a clear preference for real-time, fully automated services over those requiring extended approval processes. The results indicate that digital transformation services significantly outperform digitalisation services across five outcome metrics—satisfaction, service quality, accessibility, ease of use, and perceived security—while trust remains consistent across both. These findings underscore the importance of advancing comprehensive digital transformation to enhance public service delivery. Practical recommendations are provided to support Kuwait’s digital government strategy. Given the purposive sampling and cross-sectional, comparative design, the findings should be interpreted with caution, and future studies are encouraged to apply probability-based sampling and more advanced multivariate techniques (e.g., structural equation modelling) to validate and extend the proposed model.

The Middle East, Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC), and Kuwait, in particular, are currently experiencing a similar transition as the USA in the 1970s regarding the empowerment and independence of women, fueled by a declining birth rate from four per women to less than two. In addition, the percentage of women with university degrees has been increasing at a logarithmic rate every decade since the 1960s in the USA and since 1990 in Kuwait, resulting in women comprising well over half of all university graduates. This has led to women obtaining better jobs and enjoying greater independence to make their own decisions. In the 1960s, Toyota and other Japanese car manufactures used this phenomenon to penetrate the US market, with significant success. Their selling points were lower maintenance requirements, higher reliability, safety, better environment friendliness and slicker interior designs, the last being especially adapted to women’s tastes. We believe that Chinese and Korean electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers will employ the same playbook with similar success, as the Middle East accelerates its readiness for the EV mainstream market. In this study, this prediction was supported by a quantitative questionnaire of 234 educated female Kuwaiti drivers from the ages of 18 to 40 in Kuwait regarding their preferences regarding EVs. The findings indicate that potential female buyers favor EVs for their environmental benefits, regardless of their demographics. Moreover, potential female consumers are highly willing to purchase EVs in the future under three conditions: infrastructure availability, environmental development, and affordability. We believe that this group, in particular, will present the greatest opportunity to EV manufacturers over the next 10 years.

The adoption of fully battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) in Kuwait is currently at less than one percent of the population, and hence Kuwait has the lowest index rank among countries around the globe. Effectively, only Kuwaiti nationals have the opportunity to own EVs, as there are no fast direct-current charging stations in Kuwait, and Kuwaiti landlords (expats cannot own real estate) do not allow the installation of EV-charging home wall boxes at their rented properties. Given these facts, this paper only focuses on the preferences of Kuwaiti nationals, even though they only constitute 25 percent of the population of Kuwait. To accomplish the present objectives, a quantitative descriptive method (closed-ended questions) was used to collect data from a sample of 227 Kuwaiti nationals who were representative of the owners of half a million internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and that were categorized as early majority consumers. The findings of the present study indicate that over 50 percent of the respondents would prefer to buy an EV in the following three years when certain criteria were satisfied, including government-controlled pricing policies and recharging point availability, high-speed roads, and free EV-dedicated parking spaces. Furthermore, over 40 percent of respondents stated that they would contemplate purchasing an electric vehicle if the price of gasoline or diesel increased by 19 to 50 percent. The findings also indicated that more than 40 percent of respondents believed that EVs are fire- and crash-safe, and roughly 50 percent of the respondents would be willing to pay between 6 and 20% more for an EV because they believe that EVs are ecofriendlier vehicles and are significantly faster than conventional petrol vehicles. Additionally, respondents rewarded those vehicles with an excellent mark because of their ecological, economical, and technological attributes and benefits.

Ever since the discovery of oil in 1938, the State of Kuwait has increasingly sought out international brands in the car market due to the high purchasing power of Kuwaiti nationals. However, the makers of electric vehicles (EVs) have not been able to penetrate this market, with the exception of innovators and early adopters. The phenomenon in disruptive innovation theory—called “Crossing the Chasm”—regarding a mass market appeal has not yet occurred in Kuwait. Through deep interviews with 12 Kuwaiti owners of EVs and automotive dealers who sold either EVs or Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), 10 key reasons for this phenomenon have been previously revealed, which were used to develop an extensive questionnaire. A total of 472 car drivers aged from 18 to 30, identified as the “early majority”, completed the questionnaire to achieve the objective of identifying the factors required to create a mass market for EVs in Kuwait. The results demonstrated that potential customers highly preferred three different types of attributes of EVs: environmental, financial, and technological. There were significant differences in the identified attributes preferred by Kuwaiti individuals for EVs in terms of the number of cars owned and the sector of employment. Moreover, the results of our study indicate that potential customers are very willing to buy EVs in the future, considering both their financial and infrastructure attributes. There were further significant differences in the identified necessary conditions to buy EVs in terms of educational level and monthly income. This study discusses a variety of valuable promotional tactics, which may be implemented in conjunction with public incentives and policy changes in the State of Kuwait. This information is considered useful for marketers and designers who wish to tap into this lucrative market, which is significantly different from that in the global North.

This paper explores the role of identity in helping international students form social networks at an Australian institution and how these networks contribute to creating a sense of home away from home. The findings suggest that international students form distinct social networks that are not necessarily solely made up of fellow students from their home countries. Rather, international students form a mixture of social networks that are based on the complex individual identities of each student centred on a variety of common factors, such as: course of study, place of work, neighbourhood, culture, religion and personal interests (hobbies). Hence many students are part of social groups that consist of international students from their specific region and beyond, as well as local (Anglo and non-Anglo) students. These locally based social networks complement existing home-based networks which are maintained virtually through social media to create a home away from home. [Author abstract, ed]

PurposeThis study aims to examine the eHealth literacy level among online health consumers (OHC) in Jordan and identified variables predicting their eHealth literacy level as well.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative study was conducted to achieve the study objectives. A purposeful sample of 262 OHC completed an electronic version of the eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS). eHEALS is the most cited scale in the literature, which includes eight items (measured on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree).FindingsResults showed that OHC in Jordan had a moderate level of overall eHealth literacy. Specifically, the eHEALS formed two conceptually sound factors. Gender, occupation, perceived usefulness and perceived importance of the internet, and more frequent online health information seeking were significant positive predictors of overall eHealth literacy and/or its two identified dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study represents a humble contribution to the field. Several recommendations were suggested to maintain and improve eHealth literacy among OHC in Jordan.Originality/valueThe internet has changed the landscape of health information. There is an increase in the provision and availability of health information to all users. OHC should be skillful in locating, using and evaluating online health information. Although many researchers have increasingly studied the concept of eHealth literacy among various groups in the past decade, little research has been devoted to focus on eHealth literacy among OHC, particularly in Jordan.

Aim/Purpose: This study aims to explore students’ digital entrepreneurial intention (DEI) in Kuwait. Specifically, the aim is twofold: (i) to identify and examine the factors influencing and predicting students’ DEI, and (ii) to validate a model of DEI. Background: The advent of modern digital technologies has provided entrepreneurs with many opportunities to establish and expand their firms through online platforms. Although the existing literature on DEI has explored various factors, certain factors that could be linked to DEI have been neglected, and others have not been given sufficient attention. Nonetheless, there has been little research on students’ DEI, particularly in Kuwait. Methodology: To fulfill the research’s aims, a study was conducted using a quantitative method (a survey of 305 students at a non-profit university in Kuwait). Contribution: This study aimed to fill the research gap on the limited DEI research among Kuwait’s students. Several recommendations were suggested to improve the DEI among students in Kuwait. Findings: The study identified five factors that could influence an individual’s intention to engage in digital entrepreneurship. These factors include self-perceived creativity, social media use, risk-taking and opportunity recognition, digital entrepreneurship knowledge, and entrepreneurial self-perceived confidence. Significant solid correlations were between all five identified factors and DEI. However, only self-perceived creativity and entrepreneurial self-perceived confidence were identified as significant positive predictors of DEI among undergraduates in Kuwait. Nevertheless, the main contributor to this intention was the students’ self-perceived confidence as entrepreneurs. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers should conduct further longitudinal studies to understand better the dynamic nature of DEI and execution. Future Research: Additional research is required to utilize probability sampling approaches and increase the sample size for more generalizable findings.

Aim/Purpose: This study examined the use of Social Media Applications (SMAs) for accessing health-related information within a heterogeneous population in Jordan. The objective of this study was therefore threefold: (i) to investigate the usage of SMAs, including WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, for accessing health-related information; (ii) to examine potential variations in the use of SMAs based on demographic and behavioral characteristics; and (iii) to identify the factors that can predict the use of SMAs. Background: There has been limited focus on investigating the behavior of laypeople in Jordan when it comes to seeking health information from SMAs. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in Jordan using an online questionnaire administered to 207 users. A purposive sampling technique was employed, wherein all the participants actively sought online health information. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analyses were utilized to analyze the collected data. Contribution: This study adds to the existing body of research on health information seeking from SMAs in developing countries, with a specific focus on Jordan. Moreover, laypeople, often disregarded by researchers and health information providers, are the most vulnerable individuals who warrant greater attention. Findings: The findings indicated that individuals often utilized YouTube as a platform to acquire health-related information, whereas their usage of Facebook for this purpose was less frequent. Participants rarely utilized Instagram and WhatsApp to obtain health information, while Twitter and Snapchat were very seldom used for this purpose. The variable of sex demonstrated a notable positive correlation with the utilization of YouTube and Twitter for the purpose of finding health-related information. Conversely, the variable of nationality exhibited a substantial positive correlation with the utilization of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Consulting medical professionals regarding information obtained from the Internet was a strong indicator of using Instagram to search for health-related information. Recommendations for Practitioners: Based on the empirical results, this study provides feasible recommendations for the government, healthcare providers, and developers of SMAs. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers should conduct separate investigations for each application specifically pertaining to the acquisition of health-related information. Additionally, it is advisable to investigate additional variables that may serve as predictors for the utilization of SMAs. Impact on Society: The objective of this study is to enhance the inclination of the general public in Jordan to utilize SMAs for health-related information while also maximizing the societal benefits of these applications. Future Research: Additional research is required to examine social media’s usability (regarding ease of use) and utility (comparing advantages to risks) in facilitating effective positive change and impact in healthcare.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the use and continued intention to use six social media applications (SMAs) (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Skype and Instagram) by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 357 SMEs in Kuwait was conducted to achieve the study objectives.FindingsThe study results showed that SMEs mostly used application was Facebook (by more than three quarters of the SMEs), and the least used one was LinkedIn (by around 6 per cent of the SMEs). Also, approximately third of the SMEs used YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. Of those, more than one third used these applications daily. The study also found that both gaining popularity and enjoyment were the main motivations for using all six applications by SMEs. Moreover, the study found that the applications were mostly used for information, communication and marketing.Research limitations/implicationsSMEs used and have continued intention to use SMAs for their enjoyment and usefulness, because other SMEs use them and because of their complementarity. In light of the results, several recommendations were suggested to increase the use and continued intention to use SMAs by SMEs in Kuwait. For academics, it may give them an idea of the extent to which SMEs use SMAs in doing work activities, which they can use as a starting point to investigate other factors that might influence the use SMAs by SMEs.Practical implicationsFor practitioners especially SMEs owners and managers, it may help to encourage them to use the SMAs and to raise their awareness of the benefits of these applications to their work.Social implicationsThe findings generally suggest that SMEs need ongoing support from the government, industry or any bodies that are interested in the development of SMEs. This support includes providing a more comprehensive view about SMAs such as raising the awareness of SMEs about the potential benefits of some of these applications such as YouTube, Skype and LinkedIn and conducting training courses that help SMEs to set up rules, procedures and strategies on how to use these various applications.Originality/valueSMAs have a number of characteristics that make it a suitable option for doing SMEs’ work activities. Therefore, SMAs could provide SMEs with opportunities for interaction and communication with customers and suppliers. Although the literature describes the different aspects of these applications and their potential benefits for people in general and industry in particular, little research has attempted to explore the actual use of these applications especially by SMEs in developing countries in general and in Kuwait in particular.

Aim/Purpose This study explored public perceptions of the smart city concept in Kuwait and assessed their understanding of its features and dimensions. Background Over the past decade, the notion of “smart cities” has gained significant traction, with numerous urban areas eager to embrace this digital evolution. For a city to transition into a smart city, it must develop a service strategy that places the public as the primary beneficiary of the smart city services. Methodology The study employed the Smart City Wheel model, encompassing six key dimensions of a smart city: governance, mobility, people, economy, living, and environment. The ‘smartness’ of a city is assessed based on the level of advancement in these six key dimensions. To achieve the study’s objectives, 434 individuals were surveyed quantitatively. Contribution Existing studies highlight growing awareness of smart cities and the impact of visibility and demographics but often lack analysis of public perceptions of specific technologies. This study bridges that gap by examining public awareness and perceptions of Smart Cities in Kuwait. Findings The results revealed that just under half of the participants had some understanding of Smart Cities, reflecting moderate community awareness. More than a third of those aware believe their city is working towards becoming smart. However, over half of the respondents are unaware of the concept, indicating a significant knowledge gap. Among the unaware, more than a quarter think local authorities have made efforts to inform the public. Despite this, over three-quarters are interested in learning about Smart Cities, and two-thirds want to engage in city development decisions through digital platforms, demonstrating a potential for public involvement in smart city initiatives. Respondents strongly associate the six key dimensions with the Smart City concept, ranking their importance as follows: smart governance, smart mobility, smart environment, smart living, smart economy, and smart people. The most frequent activities were observed in smart people, smart economy, and smart living. Improvement needs are diverse, with frequent calls for enhancement in smart environment, smart living, and smart mobility. The results also reveal notable variations in the perceived importance of the dimensions and their correlations with the Smart City concept based on employment status, age, and education. Future Research Future research should explore alternative models and dimensions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of smart cities. To enhance the generalizability of the findings, a larger-scale survey conducted over a more comprehensive geographical range would be beneficial.