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This study aims to assess why users are willing/hesitant to continue using FinTech services based on their perceived benefits and risks pertaining to the use of FinTech technology. Data was collected, using an adopted survey instrument, from bankers based in Bahrain, the financial and FinTech hub of the Middle East. Data analysis was applied to assess the reliability and validity of this study’s conceptual model along with its nine hypotheses with 374 valid responses subsequently being analysed using multiple regression via SPSS version 23. The empirical findings of this study supported all the hypotheses, revealing that both perceived benefit and risks affect the intent to continue using FinTech. Perceived benefit has a stronger effect than the perceived risk, and convenience perceived most beneficial while financial risk perceived riskiest for using FinTech technology by the bankers of Bahrain.

In this paper, we explore preparedness strategies for the initial response to crisis-driven innovation, in the context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using insights from semi-structured interviews with public health strategists, we apply analytic induction to investigate preparedness to innovate, and the main forms of crisis-driven innovation applied in the initial COVID-19 response. We thematically analyze measures of preparedness for the initial COVID-19 response and propose a framing aimed at boosting readiness for crisis-driven innovation. Our study finds themes on COVID-19 preparedness strategies involving combat-inspired public policies from assessed security, cyclic-oriented public projections of actionable safeguards, and continuity-driven public provisions for anticipated situations. The study also captures themes on crisis response as crisis-driven innovation in relation to digitalized, integrated, and tailored public services, initiatives, and systems. Our paper concludes with discussions on the implications of innovation intelligence for crisis preparedness, “ripple-inspired inside-out” view of crisis-driven innovation, “response as innovation” framings, and suggestions for further studies.

The chapter depicts Bahrain’s current state of entrepreneurship. Followed by introductory words, the chapter’s content elaborates briefly on the history of the country up to the modern times. Then, the entrepreneurship environment is described in which businesspeople undertake entrepreneurial actions. Furthermore, the main players in the current economy and entrepreneurship development are discussed. Finally, the chapter emphasises the current and future opportunities, as well as the government’s effort in achieving prosperous economic and social development.

This last chapter overviews each country in the GCC. It provides general information about the socioeconomic development of each GCC country, emphasising the economic performance of each State. It also gives readers the opportunity to get to know future perspectives of each GCC nation. Final words of the chapter describe the GCC members as the fertile soil for FDI activities, stressing the fact that the region has a favourable cross-cultural environment.

This chapter focuses on several important aspects of the business context of the Kingdom of Bahrain, a tiny desert kingdom linked to Saudi Arabia by the 25-km long King Fahd Causeway. The chapter provides an overview of the historical, political and economic development of Bahrain since its inception, followed by a discussion of characteristics of Bahraini business framework conditions, wherein details of the ecosystem dimensions are described. The chapter concludes with providing a brief outlook for the future and provides a few insights and recommendations.

Women entrepreneurs have become key drivers of entrepreneurial changes, especially in Middle Eastern countries where they have recently unleashed their distinguished power. Bahrain is not an exception. Even though women entrepreneurs in Bahrain struggle with a male-dominated culture, they have been successful in starting their own small businesses. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the context of doing business for women entrepreneurs. Then, this chapter reviews the historical aspects of Bahrain and then explores its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Finally, it provides some directions for the future of entrepreneurship in Bahrain.