IDENTIFYING FACTORS SHAPING DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTENTION IN GCC COUNTRIES

Autori

  • Salem Hathroubi Department of Economics, College of Business, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Mourad Zmami Department of Finance and Insurance, College of Business Administration, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
  • Aicha Shili Department of Marketing, College of Business Administration, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
  • Ousama Ben-Salha Humanities and Social Research Center, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/eoik-2025-0086

Ključne reči:

Entrepreneurship, Digital entrepreneurship, Digital economy, Structural equation modeling, Gulf Cooperation Council

Apstrakt

The GCC nations have recently adopted a new economic develop-
ment strategy focused on decreasing their reliance on oil and en-
couraging diversification through investment in non-oil sectors. The

digital economy stands out as a promising emerging sector with the
potential to drive economic diversification, increase added value, and

generate job opportunities. Recognizing its importance, GCC coun-
tries are supporting and promoting digital entrepreneurship activities

to develop the digital sector. This research examines the factors af-
fecting the intention to engage in digital entrepreneurial ventures in

GCC countries. To do so, the analysis relies on primary data collected
through a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 229 graduates in
management, IT, and computer sciences from the Gulf region, all of
whom have expertise in digital entrepreneurship. The study employs

the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and identifies five key fac-
tors influencing the intention to pursue digital entrepreneurship and

develop the digital economy. These factors include literacy and digi-
tal culture, education and training in entrepreneurship and the digital

economy, knowledge of digital entrepreneurship, digital infrastruc-
ture, and government policies and support mechanisms for the digi-
tal business sector. This research provides policymakers in the GCC

region with recommendations, such as fostering a broader digital cul-
ture within society and promoting education and training programs

focused on digital entrepreneurship. These insights are designed to

support Gulf countries in diversifying their economies, enhancing re-
gional competitiveness, and positioning themselves as hubs for digital

innovation in the global marketplace.

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2025-12-01

Kako citirati

Salem Hathroubi, Mourad Zmami, Aicha Shili, & Ousama Ben-Salha. (2025). IDENTIFYING FACTORS SHAPING DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTENTION IN GCC COUNTRIES. ECONOMICS - INNOVATIVE AND ECONOMICS RESEARCH JOURNAL, 13(4), 73–94. https://doi.org/10.2478/eoik-2025-0086

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God. 13 Br. 4 (2025): ECONOMICS - Innovative and Economics Research Journal

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