Enhancing M-Government service adoption in Saudi Arabia: the role of mobile edge computing in moderating technology acceptance

Purpose: Mobile edge computing (MEC) services have long been used by private enterprises in Saudi Arabia with considerable success; however, there has been a stark lack of insight into how these services can be used to improve mobile government (M-Government) services for KSA citizens. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating MEC with an enhanced version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and examining its effects on user behavior and acceptance. Design/methodology/approach: A closed-ended survey was administered to 1,500 people, and the responses were analyzed using sophisticated advanced statistical techniques to test an expanded TAM, using a quantitative method that uses structural equation modeling to validate the proposed model and hypotheses. Findings: This study reveals that MEC significantly influences users’ intentions about using M-Government services and their tolerance for new technology adoption. Specifically, service cost and social influence are positively linked with end users’ intention to adopt M-Government services. Originality/value: The novelty and contribution of this paper to existing literature are in highlighting the pivotal role of MEC in transforming public sector service delivery through technology. This study not only supports the adoption of M-Government services to enhance social welfare but also demonstrates and concludes some practical and theoretical ramifications of MEC service adoption.