Exploring Mobile ID adoption in Kuwait: a TOE framework assessment of e-government and smart city innovations

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of Mobile ID, a form of identity management system, in Kuwait. Mobile ID creates secure digital credentials that facilitate online transactions through advanced authentication measures, elimination of physical identification cards, which can be lost or misplaced. Design/methodology/approach The adoption and use of Mobile ID in Kuwait depend on the willingness of individuals and businesses to embrace this technology. This study uses a quantitative approach grounded in the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and analyzes data using SmartPLS to identify key factors influencing Mobile ID adoption in Kuwait. Findings This study revealed significant effects for all factors except technology readiness and innovation on the adoption of Mobile ID. Competition intensity (0.414) and management support (0.216) emerged as the most influential factors. Security concerns, such as privacy and identity theft, were also identified as barriers. Research limitations/implications The findings underscore the importance of competition intensity and management support. Further research should integrate qualitative insights and conduct comparative studies across other Gulf Cooperation Council countries to validate and expand these results. Practical implications This study offers actionable insights to enhance Mobile ID adoption. Policymakers should prioritize strengthening management support, addressing competitive pressures and implementing robust security measures to foster widespread adoption. Originality/value This study offers a novel application of the TOE framework to evaluate the adoption of Mobile ID in Kuwait, advancing the understanding of digital identity systems in the context of e-government and smart city development.