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Ethiopia to Host Future Tech Addis Expo 2025

RCNDC Consultancy in partnership with the FDRE Ministry of Education and the FDRE Ministry of Innovation, is proud to announce the Future Tech Addis Expo 2025. This landmark event will take place at the prestigious Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, bringing together global tech leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to shape the future of technology and its role in driving socio-economic development.

As Ethiopia continues its journey toward becoming a regional leader in digital transformation, the Future Tech Addis Expo 2025 aims to showcase groundbreaking advancements and foster collaboration across diverse sectors. With the theme “Empowering Innovation, Shaping the Future,” the expo will serve as a platform to highlight the critical role of technology in addressing pressing challenges and unlocking opportunities for growth.

The event will focus on five pivotal areas of technological innovation. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) will explore opportunities to position Ethiopia as a leading BPO destination in Africa, leveraging its young and skilled workforce. Cloud Computing will demonstrate the transformative potential of cloud-based solutions in improving efficiency and scalability for businesses and institutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will showcase AI-driven innovations across sectors, including education, healthcare, and agriculture, while also discussing ethical implications. E-Commerce will highlight advancements in digital trade platforms and strategies to enhance Ethiopia’s participation in the global e-commerce ecosystem. Digital Mining will present innovative technologies in resource management and the integration of digital tools in Ethiopia’s mining industry.

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PIP Labs, a startup that develops an IP (Intellectual Property) platform “Story” based on blockchain.

PIP Labs, a startup that develops an IP (Intellectual Property) platform “Story” based on blockchain technology, will cooperate with Stability AI, a global image-generating artificial intelligence (AI) company. The goal is to establish a fair profit distribution system by analyzing the contribution of creators in the process of producing AI images.

PIP Labs announced on the 9th that it has signed a strategic partnership with Stability AI to build an innovative ecosystem for copyright protection and monetization of AI-generated content.

PIP Labs is a startup co-founded by CEO Lee Seung-yoon, who founded the web novel platform “Radish” and sold it to Kakao, and Jason Zhao, a former member of Google’s AI subsidiary DeepMind. The cumulative investment amount attracted amounts to 140 million dollars (about 190 billion won).

The story being developed by PIP Labs is a blockchain platform that converts IP into programmable digital assets to protect IP holders’ ideas and support sharing and monetization using them.

Through this cooperation, the two companies aim to protect the rights of all contributors related to AI-generated content, including creators, developers, and artists, and to establish a fair compensation system.

In particular, Story noted the lack of a clear path for creators to generate revenue from secondary creations in the open-source AI ecosystem. Through collaboration with stability AI, we plan to establish a systematic revenue distribution system by tracking the contribution of the entire AI-generated content process and recording it transparently on the blockchain.

AI applications currently operating on the story platform have entered the commercialization stage. AI image remix platform “Mahojin” and AI creative e-commerce platform “ABLO” are providing actual services by combining stability AI’s AI model with story’s blockchain technology.

Both services support users’ creative activities while ensuring source proof and rights attribution across the AI stack.
Jason Zhao, co-founder of PIP Labs, said, “The two companies plan to open a new era of open-source AI development by using the technology of stability AI and story to provide fair compensation to contributors and build a system that protects copyright.”
Scott Trowbridge, vice president of stability AI, explained, “Story’s innovative blockchain technology and our AI model will meet to provide practical benefits to creators.”

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AI to provide quantum leap in small-business efficiency – Business in Vancouver

AI to provide quantum leap in small-business efficiency – Business in Vancouver

Technological change happens so quickly that companies need to adapt to stay relevant.
Advances due to artificial intelligence (AI) are more powerful than previous technological evolutions, making it even more important for entrepreneurs and executives to pay attention and gain from the quantum leap in efficiency that is possible, say those in the industry.
B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey told BIV she views adopting AI as vital for businesses.
She is looking into how best government can encourage the province’s business owners to take advantage of AI innovations.
“There are things that government can do to support businesses in moving forward with AI, and that’s certainly something I’m exploring,” Bailey said.
“Companies that embrace AI, and find solutions with AI, are going to be ahead of the curve, and those that don’t will be left behind. I’m very much thinking about that.”
She said that she has had discussions with people in Vancouver’s AI sector, such as David Seymour, who is vice-president and general manager for Microsoft Corp.’s (Nasdaq:MSFT) operations in Vancouver.
“You could hire one software programmer in a company, and have them work for two weeks, and they will be able to compile, using generative AI, all of your documentation, every PDF, all of your sales figures – like every single document you have in the history of your company, and make it searchable with generative AI. That could really change your business analytics,” Bailey said, relaying information gleaned from her discussions.
Microsoft is a main player in the emerging world of developing integrated platforms and software to help executives who want to integrate AI into their ventures.
Alphabet Inc.’s (Nasdaq:GOOG) Google is another.
“We’re the only company that offers a full set of services and technology stack for AI,” Sam Sebastian, Google’s Canadian country manager for cloud services, told BIV.
“That’s from high-performance AI infrastructure, like chips, or tensor processing units – the technology that the largest AI startups run on – to our own foundational large language models.”
Meta Platforms Inc. (Nasdaq:META) is a third technology giant that is focusing on AI research. Its CEO Mark Zuckerberg told analysts on the company’s Oct. 25 earnings call that “AI will be our biggest investment area in 2024.”
Executives at B.C. credit unions are aware of AI’s power. Ventures such as Vancity, Gulf and Fraser, Bulkley Valley Credit Union and others are using Vancouver-based Judi.ai’s technology to help determine how much credit or loan value to provide various small businesses, Judi.ai CEO Gord Baizley told BIV.
Small business owners seeking loans go to credit unions and provide financial information along with bank statements to prove their credit worthiness.
“When a bank statement comes in, it’s a bit of a bowl of spaghetti,” Baizley said. “We use our AI-driven models to say, ‘OK, let’s transform that into something that’s usable.’”
Vancity’s director of small business Mike Matsuo told BIV that his credit union started working with Judi.ai as a pilot program in 2017.
“The technology has continued to be used in our small business division,” he said. “What the technology creates is a more efficient small-business loan application process. The AI program significantly decreases the turn-around time on a loan decision. We can approve a deal within hours with Judi.ai, whereas our previous process took a minimum of a week and up to three weeks.”
Vancouver’s Charli.AI similarly has banking clients for its application, which has a range of business and human-resources functions.
The software, for example, can delve into complex tax calculations that arise when executives work in multiple jurisdictions, or have equity stakes in companies in multiple jurisdictions.
“You have to understand the jurisdictions, and the legal requirements around them,” Charli.AI CEO Kevin Collins told BIV. “That means reading through a lot of legalese to understand the implications for both employees, as well as the companies they work with. That fully gets automated with our Charli.AI.”
His 40-employee company’s software can also be used to calculate stock options for executives and determine when those people can vest their options.
Companies have long used basic software to do those calculations, but Collins said his AI application makes the whole process more automated because it eliminates the need for companies to have workers input data.
He said Charli.AI has about a dozen clients but he did not want to name them without permission. One of those clients is one of Canada’s largest banks, he said.
Rob Goehring, CEO at Wisr AI, has also seen an uptick in business at his venture, which partners with third-party cybersecurity firms that have multinational clients.

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Image: Rob Goehring, who is the founding chair of BC Tech’s AI C-Council, has watched a flurry of interest in a range of B.C. companies for which AI is an integral part of their products | Rob Kruyt

Wisr AI’s specialty as being able to detect “where the bad guys are going next,” said Goehring, who is the founding chair of BC Tech’s AI C-Council, which includes C-suite executives at growth- stage AI companies.
Other B.C. companies in the niche of helping clients adapt AI innovations include:
• This.fish, which helps seafood processors automate workflows, among other tasks;
• Browse.ai, which helps companies extract and monitor data from any website and convert it into a spreadsheet; and
• Intelligent Project Solutions, which provides AI solutions to help clients’ customers’ engineering and digital-transformation needs – particularly in the oil, gas and chemical products industries.
Goehring said that since late last year, when OpenAI received widespread media coverage for launching a free preview of its AI chatbot ChatGPT, there has been a flurry of interest from larger businesses seeking to integrate AI software.
“We’re seeing – for the most part, all the AI companies are seeing – really good growth and adoption,” he said.
While AI undoubtedly can improve efficiency, there remains a wariness about the technology in the general population and among small-business owners.
Scotiabank (TSX:BNS) this month released its annual Path to Impact 2023 report, which showed that less than half of Canadian small-business owners surveyed said they believed that integrating AI into their operations would help grow their businesses. Only 44 per cent of respondents said they were interested in adopting AI in their ventures.
Worse is that B.C. small-business owners surveyed were less interested in AI than counterparts in every other province. Only 39 per cent of B.C. small-business owners said that they wanted to adopt AI innovations, according to the Scotiabank survey.
Those business owners were not alone in wanting to tread lightly into the new AI world. Canadians are not sure how much of an opportunity AI provides.
Most fear it will take their jobs.
A recent survey by Glacier Media and Research Co. found 77 per cent of Canadians said they feared that AI would take over jobs now performed by humans – a figure that rises to 80 per cent among those in the lowest household income bracket.

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Ethiopia Mandates Standard QR Code for Digital Payments – Shega

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has mandated that all payment service providers adopt the Standard for Interoperable QR Code Payments, effective December 1, 2024. The requirement seeks to standardize the currently varied payment QR codes, ensuring that all providers issue codes in compliance with the National Bank’s guidelines.
Ethiopia officially launched its interoperable QR payment standard in April of this year at the first Ethiopian Digital Payments Conference. Developed by the national switch operator EthSwitch and owned by the NBE, the national QR standard leverages a standardized format, enabling QR codes to function seamlessly with any participating payment app.
Within the mobile payment landscape, interoperable QR codes represent a significant advancement. Unlike traditional QR codes, which are often restricted to a single payment application or financial institution, interoperable codes offer a more versatile solution. Merchants will only need to display one QR code to accept payments from any participating bank or financial provider.
The push for standardized QR codes comes as part of a broader e ffort to enhance the country’s digital payment ecosystem, which has seen substantial growth, especially after the adoption of the National Digital Payment Strategy (2021-2024).
According to the central bank, in the fiscal year 2023/24 alone, Ethiopia’s digital payment system processed over 2.7 billion transactions, totaling more than 9.7 trillion birr. The number of digital payment accounts, including mobile banking, mobile money, internet banking, and debit cards, has also risen to over 198 million.
EthSwitch will be instrumental in enabling QR code interoperability by managing the necessary infrastructure under the National Bank’s supervision. The national switch operator previously enabled the interoperability of ATMs, Pos terminals, digital wallets, mobile, and Internet banking systems.

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Web 4.0 – Blockchain and AI Will Usher In a More Humane and User-Friendly Web

Web 2.0, as it’s known, introduced us to social media networks like Facebook and MySpace and platforms like YouTube that empowered everyday internet users to easily publish their content.
However, behind these exciting smartphone apps, embedded videos, and user-centric platforms, carefully constructed corporate frameworks tracked, analyzed, and monetized every user interaction.
Most of us already know about this manipulation and the threat of having our private data sold and potentially leaked to the public.
A more under-discussed legacy of Web 2.0 is the mental health implications of doomsday scrolling and the complex algorithms behind this construct that cause severe mental strain on many of us.
Web 2.0’s dark side
The Web 2.0 model isn’t all bad. Targeted ads allow users to discover products and services that provide tangible benefits to their lives.
However, in most jurisdictions, internet users don’t have an opt-in option for how and who uses their private data.
Even after the EU implemented the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in 2018 to protect individual online rights and privacy, insiders believe relevant violations are prevalent at most tech companies.
In addition to complex algorithms that provoke emotional reactions that lead to scrolling addictions and mental burnout, state-sponsored and non-state actors actively manipulate newsfeeds with bots spewing propaganda.
Between the over-bombardment of ads, provocative content, and the blurring of real and fake and intentionally confusing interfaces, the average internet user suffers from ‘information chaos,’ which can lead to stress and anxiety for many.
While social scientists and academics have documented the impact of social media on mental health, little is being done to address information chaos and the burden of Web 2.0’s intense emotional aftertaste.
However, these factors continually result in chronic fatigue, depression and social isolation contributing to a decline in overall quality of life.
Constantly waiting for content to load, slow response times on technical support and the mind-numbing toxicity of endless social media scrolling rob users of valuable time and energy that could be spent more productively or enjoyably.
Micro-stresses which people probably don’t notice while online – can accumulate and lead to serious psychological and physical problems.
In some circumstances, this manifests similarly to effects caused by alcohol and drugs.
Since Web 2.0 works in opposition to the user’s best interest and in favor of Big Tech and other corporations, a fundamental change in how internet technologies are designed and implemented is desperately needed.
The introduction of blockchain technology and smart contracts added an element of decentralization that counters Big Tech power, ushering in the Web 3.0 era, using a token-based economy to incentivize participation.
While blockchain and Web 3.0 have achieved a lot, it may not be enough to compete with the Web 2.0 structure.
Blockchain plus AI equals Web 4.0
Web 3.0 does, however, provide an important building block for those advocating for an internet that puts user interests before corporate profit margins.
‘Web4’ aims to empower the user by relieving Web 2.0’s cognitive overload and mental burdens that leave a negative emotional impression.
Web 4.0 represents the natural progression of the internet – a developer-led revolution combining blockchain technology and smart contracts with powerful AI and AGI (artificial general intelligence) to improve user interactions with digital services.
With blockchain’s ability to facilitate secure data ownership and communication alongside diverse and rapidly advancing AI capabilities, Web 4.0 will free users from routine tasks while minimizing the stress factors associated with Web 2.0.
At the heart of this transformation is a global AI layer as the basis for Web 4.0, which will operate as a truly decentralized and open-source ecosystem where users have convenient access to a range of services and applications, creating a single integrated solution.
Access to Web 4.0 platforms, services or applications hinges on adhering to the ‘three seconds or three clicks’ principle ensuring any access to information or a task receives maximum efficiency.
Thanks to optimized AI-powered interfaces capable of anticipating a user’s needs, this principle ensures all services and applications within the Web 4.0 ecosystem are delivered fast without information overload.
By building off of Web 3.0’s decentralized principles and capabilities – which provide trust instead of centralization and infusing it with advanced AI systems, Web 4.0 offers the promise of making our lives more efficient and less stressful.
Web 4.0 allows us to reimagine social media platforms that will only be able to operate if they eliminate intrusive ads, and excessive notifications and provide streamlined access to necessary information.
This vision offers users a new communication standard that doesn’t make them feel like they are in the middle of a corporate competition.
The overarching theme behind the Web 4.0 movement is building a human-centric online environment where any participating service must adhere to the principles of transparency, honesty, speed and stress minimization.
Decentralized development of ethical AI models and tools ensures safety and transparency, allowing a new internet paradigm to take shape.
By not only making information more accessible and tedious tasks easier to accomplish, Web 4.0 provides users with a faster, safer and more transparent source for internet interactions.
Web 4.0 envisions an internet where decentralization is achieved not only through blockchain but also through the integration of AI agents capable of performing specific, targeted tasks efficiently and without unnecessary overload or spam.
These intelligent agents will act as personalized assistants, seamlessly handling routine activities while ensuring a streamlined and stress-free experience for users.
This approach eliminates the intrusive and chaotic nature of traditional Web 2.0 systems, offering a cleaner, more purposeful interaction that respects user preferences and time.
Bringing about a true transition to Web 4.0 will prove difficult and may take time, but the growing synergies between blockchain, smart contracts and rapidly advancing AI tools offer hope.
Communicating and advocating for this user-centric technology will put pressure on Big Tech and governments to address the problems of Web 2.0, providing the necessary momentum to fuel a real Web 4.0 revolution.
Peter Ionov is the CEO and founder of GT Protocol. He is a Ukrainian entrepreneur, engineer and inventor who leads and runs several other companies including Robosoft and Ukr Reklama. Peter is paving the way in Web 4.0, robotics and AI.

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Technology factors and ERP system efficiency in the Jordanian industrial firms: does company size matter?

The study was structured to investigate the impact of technological factors on the effectiveness of enterprise resource planning (ERP) in Jordanian industrial firms, using a descriptive-analytical approach. This study also examines company size as a moderator variable, which has been measured using the logarithm of total assets extracted from each firm’s annual report. The study’s target population consisted of all Jordanian industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange, totaling 55 firms. Managers participated as respondents, with 220 questionnaires distributed electronically, averaging four questionnaires per company. After data collection, 92 valid questionnaires were used for statistical analysis. The findings indicate a significant and positive relationship between technological factors (such as ease of use, perceived usefulness, and digital proficiency) and ERP system effectiveness in Jordanian industrial firms. However, the study revealed that trust, as one of the technological factors, did not significantly impact ERP system efficiency. Additionally, it was found that the moderating role of company size moderates positively the relationship between two technological factors (i.e., perceived usefulness and digital proficiency), and ERP system efficiency. The research suggests that industrial firms in Jordan should take into account technological factors, including factors like ease of use, perceived usefulness, and digital proficiency, to remain current with advancements that can improve the efficiency of ERP systems. This is important due to the positive influence it can have on the operational effectiveness of Jordanian industrial companies, aiding them in their planning and decision-making processes.
The present century is marked by significant challenges that organizations face, both in terms of quantity and quality (Almaiah et al., 2022a; Alshirah et al., 2020; Daviy, 2023). These challenges encompass the rapid evolution of information systems and information and communications technology (Lutfi et al., 2022a), the globalization of markets, the expanding influence of the knowledge-based economy, heightened competition, the surge in mergers, and collaborative ventures among organizations (Saad et al., 2022). In response to these challenges, organizations must adopt a clear vision to navigate and thrive in this dynamic landscape (Almaiah et al., 2022b; Alsharif et al., 2024). The future demands the ability to identify opportunities, seize them, and discern and mitigate potential threats and risks (AlQudah et al., 2022; Alshirah et al., 2021a; Lutfi et al., 2023). Consequently, many firms have been prompted to explore swift and effective solutions that foster success and sustainability, foster business development, enhance adaptability to their surroundings and equip them to compete effectively against other firms, whether within their respective industries or in supportive roles (Almaiah et al., 2022c; Almajali et al., 2022). These solutions aim to create new advantages through speed, precision, and the harmonious integration of the company’s systems (AlQudah, 2015; Lutfi, 2021). In light of these challenges, the concept of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system has emerged (Zamzeer et al., 2020; Abu Afifa, Saleh & Vo Van, 2023).
The ERP system can be described as a collection of interconnected subsystems that encompass accounting information systems and management information systems (Lutfi, 2021. Essentially, it represents an integrated framework that combines both financial and non-financial processes to attain specific objectives for businesses (Daviy, 2023). Its primary aims are cost reduction and the facilitation of streamlined communication with the various branches of the company (Zamzeer et al., 2020; Alqudah et al., 2024; Jaradat, Shbail & Baker, 2022). The integrated ERP system relies on information technology and is characterized by the seamless integration of four core dimensions: accounting and finance, sales and marketing, manufacturing and production, and human resources (Saad et al., 2022). As a result, the ERP system is recognized as an information system that encompasses all aspects of an organization’s operations, spanning from raw material procurement to post-sales activities (Almajali et al., 2022).
Therefore, using ERP systems effectively and efficiently has resulted in significant benefits such as reduced inventory levels, speed in exchanging transactions, better financial management, improved supply chain, reduced transportation and logistics costs, improved level of responsiveness to customers, increased flexibility, increased productivity, and making tacit knowledge explicit (Lutfi, 2021). Nevertheless, for organizations to achieve the intended advantages of the resource planning system, it is imperative that they meticulously strategize the system’s implementation. Numerous projects have faced delays as a result of requiring extra funding due to inadequate budget allocation for the implementation process. Hence, it is essential to comprehend the factors that could potentially give rise to issues that hinder the efficient application of the ERP system. As a new technology, the ERP systems are affected by several technological factors, that may enhance or decrease the efficiency of ERP systems.
The technological factors include ease of use, dependability, perceived value, and digital expertise, which have a pivotal role in the efficiency of technology. Ease of use refers to how individuals perceive the simplicity of employing a specific technology. When technology is perceived as user-friendly, it fosters a higher level of enthusiasm for adoption. The perceived usefulness of software significantly influences its adoption (Alqudah, 2024; Lutfi et al., 2022c). Trust in the utilization of technology is contingent on users feeling secure with the technology and their capacity to validate the actions of other active Internet participants (Almaiah et al., 2022d). Lastly, the digital proficiency of employees in employing such technology is a vital consideration, and it falls within the purview of senior management (Daviy, 2023). It is the responsibility of top management to provide employees with the necessary education and training on the proper utilization of information systems and the associated methods (Almajali et al., 2022). Besides, the efficiency of an ERP system is linked to the size of the company; not all firms can afford the cost of implementing an ERP system. Larger firms typically have the financial resources to provide training to their employees for new technologies (Egdair, Rajemi & Nadarajan, 2015; Lutfi, 2020).
In the context of the Jordanian industrial sector, implementing an (ERP) system in Jordanian companies is considered an important part of the business management strategy. The ERP system aims to integrate and unify the company’s various operations into one system to improve efficiency and make better decisions (Noureddine, 2021). However, implementing the ERP system in Jordanian industrial companies has faced several challenges. The high Cost of Implementing an ERP system is one of the main obstacles that face ERP system adoption in Jordanian industrial companies. Also, adopting an ERP system requires good planning and effective direction to avoid problems and ensure project success (Almahirat, 2016). Changing a company’s operations can also present a challenge in adapting the organization’s culture to the new ERP system (Siam, 2015). At the same time, rapid technological developments may make some ERP systems outdated quickly, requiring periodic updating in Jordanian industrial companies (Noureddine, 2021). On the other hand, the success of an ERP system requires good training and qualification of employees to understand and use the system effectively. However, implementing an ERP system in Jordanian industrial companies can have a significant positive impact on management and business.
They have established strong security measures to protect company data and customer information, training employees on security practices and emphasizing the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of information (Alqudah, 2023; Almahirat, 2016). They provided extensive training programs for employees to ensure they have a good understanding of the ERP system and can use it effectively. Furthermore, they defined a plan to implement the ERP system gradually rather than as an immediate shift to minimize the impact on daily operations. They ensure that the implementation of the ERP system takes into account Jordanian regulations and legislation, especially regarding data protection and taxes (Siam, 2015). Additionally, they defined policies to regularly evaluate the ERP system’s performance and take actions to improve it based on technology updates or company needs (Almahirat, 2016; Noureddine, 2021). Despite these policies, the efficiency of the ERP system in Jordanian industrial companies is still vulnerable. Therefore, through reviewing the literature and the context of Jordan, this study has addressed the technological factors to investigate the efficiency of the ERP system (Almahirat, 2016; Siam, 2015). Furthermore, this study uses the size of the industrial company as a moderator factor because not all Jordanian industrial companies can afford the cost of implementing an ERP system. Small firms typically do not have the financial resources to provide training to their employees for new technologies compared to large companies (Egdair et al., 2015; Lutfi, 2022).
Furthermore, despite the limited number of studies addressing ERP system efficiency, previous research has mainly focused on the intention to use the ERP system or examined general factors affecting its effectiveness (Zamzeer et al., 2020; Jaradat et al., 2022). Unfortunately, technological factors have been overlooked, despite their significance in the context of ERP system efficiency, particularly in developing societies like Jordan (Marei et al., 2023). Moreover, Jordanian industrial firms face challenges in comprehending the true impact of technological factors on ERP system efficiency, as well as the influence of company size on the relationship between technological factors and ERP system efficiency within Jordanian industrial firms (Alghadi et al., 2023; Almajali et al., 2022).
The importance of this study is derived from its unique focus on the relationship between technological factors and the efficiency of ERP systems, especially in the context of a company’s size. The inspiration for this study stems from the advantages associated with the efficiency of ERP systems in diverse domains. ERP systems integrate a range of business functions and processes, minimizing the need for manual data input and optimizing operations. This ultimately results in heightened efficiency and decreased operational expenses.
Nonetheless, implementing an ERP system can introduce a range of difficulties and obstacles. These challenges encompass the potentially high expenses associated with procuring and deploying ERP systems, which include costs related to software licenses, hardware, training, and consulting services (Almajali et al., 2022). Furthermore, the inherent complexity of ERP systems, arising from their integration of diverse business processes, can pose significant challenges. Resistance to change among employees can result in hurdles related to user acceptance and disruptions in workflow. Consequently, this study has directed its attention to technological factors, such as ease of use, perceived usefulness, trust, and digital proficiency, which are pivotal elements influencing the efficiency of ERP systems within Jordanian industrial enterprises.
However, the lack of studies concerning the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory in accounting innovation has been exacerbated by the limited focus on audits in developed nations, largely ignoring the advanced technology in accounting, particularly in the industrial sector (Lutfi & Alqudah, 2023). Moreover, the drivers or preventers of innovation adoption of ERP systems in the industrial sector vary from one context to the next, which varies from developed to developing nations (Ahmi, Saidin & Abdullah, 2014). Hence, this study examines the effect of technological factors on ERP systems efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms, using the DOI theory as the underpinning theory. This is because DOI theory provides a structured framework for understanding how innovations, including technological solutions like ERP systems, are adopted over time. It helps in identifying the stages through which organizations move in adopting new technologies.
The present study tackles this practical issue by proposing a framework that delves into the efficiency of ERP systems in connection with technological factors, with the inclusion of company size as a moderating variable. This approach is underpinned by the following objectives: (1) to assess how technological factors impact the efficiency of ERP systems in Jordanian industrial firms; (2) to assess how technological factors affect the efficiency of ERP systems in Jordanian industrial firms, taking into account the moderating role of company size. However, this paper found a significant and positive effect of technological factors i.e., ease of use, perceived usefulness, and digital proficiency on the ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms.
The industrial sector is one of the important pillars of development in countries, as it contributes significantly to the process of economic development and possesses forces capable of influencing economic systems. The Jordanian industrial sector is primarily composed of the “manufacturing industries” sector, encompassing leather, textile, therapeutic, medical supplies, chemical, cosmetics, plastic, rubber, engineering, electrical, information technology, wood, furniture, construction, catering, food, packaging, paper, cardboard, and office supplies industries. Additionally, the sector includes the “extractive industries” sector, involving mining, and the “electricity and water” sector. The industrial sector is considered a fundamental pillar of the Jordanian economy, thanks to its multiple and prominent contributions to achieving economic and social development. Consequently, the industrial sector bears a significant responsibility for enhancing the standard of living by facilitating individual integration into the labor market and elevating their skills and experience levels (Ministry of Industry and Trade, 2022).
The number of companies listed in the industrial sector, according to the Amman Stock Exchange website for the year 2022, reached 55 companies. The industry in Jordan is mainly divided into two sectors: manufacturing industries and mining industries. Below is a breakdown of each: (1) The manufacturing sector: The exports of this sector constituted 82.8% of the total Jordanian industrial exports, according to data from the Ministry of Industry, and Trade (2022). It includes various sub-industries such as leather, plastic, chemical, food, information technology industries, and others. (2) Mining industries sector: Considered one of the most important strategic sectors in Jordan, the exports of this sector, in its various branches, constituted 17.2% of the total Jordanian industrial exports, as per data from the Ministry of Industry, and Trade (2022). It encompasses mining and quarrying, potash, cement, phosphate, stone extraction, limestone, and other mining industries.
Furthermore, Jordan is home to a diverse range of industrial firms across various sectors. Jordan’s industrial landscape covers a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverages, textiles, construction materials, and electronics (Alqudah et al., 2023a; Smadi, 2016). Industrial firms in Jordan often engage in export-oriented activities, selling their products to regional and international markets (Shehadeh 2023). Key export items include pharmaceuticals, clothing, and agricultural products. The industrial sector plays a significant role in Jordan’s economy, contributing to GDP and providing employment opportunities (Hamza Mohammad, 2020). The sector has experienced growth and diversification in recent years. The Jordanian government has implemented policies and initiatives to support the industrial sector, including tax incentives and investment promotion measures (Zaitoun & Alqudah, 2020). Sustainability and environmental concerns are becoming more significant for industrial firms in Jordan (Abu Afifa et al., 2023). There is a growing emphasis on adopting eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices. The country has a relatively well-educated and skilled workforce, with many technical and vocational training institutions to support the industrial sector.
Despite, the challenges that face Jordanian industrial firms such as access to financing, infrastructure development, the need for skilled labor, and regional geopolitical instability that impacts trade and investment (Mansour et al., 2023a), Jordan’s industrial firms are an essential component of its economic landscape, contributing to both the local and global economies (Hamza Mohammad, 2020; Shehadeh, 2023). They are influenced by regional and international dynamics and continue to adapt and evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by the global market (Smadi, 2016). Therefore, Jordanian industrial firms began to search for accounting and administrative information systems that would help them achieve their goals and keep pace with developments occurring in the business environment. In light of the escalation of criticism directed at traditional accounting and administrative information systems due to their weak ability to support the processes of evaluating and improving the performance of firms, the ERP system appeared.
ERP systems is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline and integrate various business processes and functions within a company (Smadi, 2016). The systems consolidate and centralize data from various departments, including finance, human resources, manufacturing, sales, and more (Daviy, 2023). This integration facilitates better communication and data sharing between different parts of the company (Zamzeer et al., 2020). ERP systems also provide real-time data and insights, allowing organizations to make informed decisions and respond to changes more rapidly. Another benefit of ERP systems it can help industrial firms stay compliant with industry-specific regulations and standards by ensuring accurate and auditable data (Almajali et al., 2022).
Furthermore, by automating processes and reducing manual data entry, ERP systems can significantly improve operational efficiency (Abu Afifa et al., 2023). This leads to time and cost savings. Data entered into an ERP system is typically more accurate because it’s entered once and shared across the organization, reducing errors associated with duplicate data entry. ERP systems offer a comprehensive view of an organization’s performance, enabling managers to monitor key metrics and make data-driven decisions. ERP systems often come with reporting and analytics tools that allow users to generate custom reports and gain insights into various aspects of the business. ERP systems can be customized to fit the unique needs and processes of an organization. This adaptability is critical for aligning the system with specific business requirements.
On the other hand, ERP systems can entail substantial initial costs, which encompass expenses for software licenses, hardware, and implementation services. Ongoing maintenance and support costs are also critical factors to consider in relation to the perceived usefulness of the system. Additionally, this system necessitates a qualified staff to use it effectively, making training essential for employees to harness the ERP system efficiently. User efficiency can be challenging, as employees must adapt to new processes and workflows, highlighting the importance of empowering employees with digital proficiency (Zamzeer et al., 2020). Moreover, ERP systems handle sensitive company data, making security a paramount consideration. Robust security features are imperative to safeguard against data breaches and unauthorized access, thereby fostering trust (Daviy, 2023). In conclusion, ERP systems are inherently complex due to their offering a wide range of functionalities, including financial management, human resources management, supply chain management, customer relationship management, manufacturing, and more (Almajali et al., 2022). To promote ERP system efficiency, firms need to configure the system in a manner that is perceived as user-friendly by their employees. Consequently, ERP systems have become indispensable tools for all Jordanian industrial firms, aiding in operational enhancement, decision-making improvement, and competitive advantage in the market (Lutfi, 2023). Nevertheless, successful implementation and utilization require meticulous planning, user training, and continuous maintenance. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of technological factors on ERP systems efficiency within Jordanian industrial firms.
Technology factors such as ease of use, trust, digital proficiency, and perceived usefulness play a significant role in the efficiency of ERP systems (Lutfi & Alqudah, 2023). ERP systems are complex and integrated software solutions that impact various aspects of an organization, so the way employees and stakeholders perceive and interact with the technology can greatly influence its successful efficiency (Alrfai et al., 2023; Alshirah et al., 2021b). Here’s how each of these factors can impact ERP system efficiency.
More precisely, if an ERP system is Easy to Use, it reduces the learning curve for employees, making it more likely for them to embrace the system. Also, users are more likely to adopt the system if it doesn’t require extensive training or if it aligns with their existing skills and knowledge. An intuitive interface and streamlined processes can boost user productivity and satisfaction. Regarding the Trust factor, Trust in the system’s ability to secure sensitive data is crucial. ERP systems often store and manage critical business information, and users must have confidence in the system’s security measures (Saad et al., 2022). The system’s reliability in providing accurate and consistent data is essential. Frequent errors or system failures can erode trust and hinder efficiency.
Furthermore, the level of digital proficiency among employees can influence their willingness to use an ERP system. Adequate training and support are necessary to bridge any knowledge gaps. that to say a lack of digital proficiency can result in resistance to change. So, organizations must invest in training and change management strategies to help employees adapt. Finally, users must see the system’s value in their daily tasks and decision-making processes. If they perceive the ERP system as beneficial, they are more likely to embrace it (Zamzeer et al., 2020; Scholtz, Mahmud & Ramayah, 2016). Further, the ability to customize the ERP system to meet specific organizational needs can enhance its perceived usefulness (Smadi, 2016). A one-size-fits-all approach may not align with the organization’s unique requirements. Successful ERP system efficiency often requires holistically addressing these technology factors (Lutfi & Alqudah, 2023). Ultimately, successful ERP system efficiency depends on a combination of these factors and careful management of the technological, human, and organizational aspects of the implementation process.
Ease of use in the context of any system, whether it’s a software application, a piece of hardware, a process, or a physical product, refers to the degree to which the system is user-friendly and accessible to individuals who interact with it (Almaiah et al., 2022d; Egdair et al., 2015). As per Rogers et al. (2014), the adoption of new technology or systems might encounter obstacles if perceived as excessively complex—for instance, difficulties in aligning with existing processes. Therefore, the enhanced ease of use of technology promotes increased levels of utilization (Almaiah et al., 2022e). In the context of ERP system efficiency, ease of use refers to how user-friendly and intuitive the ERP system is for the individuals or employees who will be using it within an organization. It’s a measure of how easily and comfortably people can interact with and navigate the ERP system to perform their daily tasks and responsibilities.
To make the ERP system easy to use it should be visually appealing and organized logically, with clear menus, icons, and navigation options. Users should be able to easily access the features and functions they need. The ERP system should be accessible to all users, including those with different levels of technical proficiency (Egdair et al., 2015). This means that it should not require advanced technical skills or knowledge to operate effectively. The ERP system should be designed in a way that minimizes the time and effort required for users to learn how to use it. Complex and convoluted systems can lead to resistance and frustration among users (Zamzeer et al., 2020).
Ease of use is a crucial factor in ERP system efficiency because it can significantly affect user satisfaction (Marei et al., 2022), productivity, and the overall success of the ERP implementation (Daviy, 2023). If users find the system difficult to use or if it disrupts their daily tasks, they may resist using it, which can lead to inefficiencies and hinder the organization’s ability to fully realize the benefits of the ERP system. Therefore, ERP system vendors and firms should prioritize ease of use to encourage smooth efficiency and user acceptance.
In the context of this study, ease of use plays a crucial role in the ERP systems’ efficiency among Jordanian industrial firms, as it does in organizations around the world. To promote ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms, these organizations must select or develop systems that prioritize ease of use. Additionally, addressing ease of use and user experience can lead to successful ERP implementations in Jordanian industrial settings, improving operational efficiency and competitiveness. Hence, based on the aforementioned we proposed the following hypothesis, H1: The ease of using the ERP system significantly influences its efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms.
Trust refers to the confidence and reliance that an organization, its employees, and its stakeholders have in the ERP system’s ability to deliver on its promises and meet their expectations. Trust in ERP system efficiency is crucial because ERP systems are complex, integrated software solutions that have a significant impact on various aspects of an organization’s operations and data management (Rogers et al., 2014). Users need to have confidence that the system will consistently function as expected, providing accurate and timely data and facilitating smooth business processes (Egdair et al., 2015). Trust also involves the security and confidentiality of the data within the ERP system. Users need to believe that sensitive business information, financial data, employee records, and other critical data are adequately protected from unauthorized access or breaches.
Further, when trust is established, the firms are more likely to embrace the system, use it effectively, and continue to do so over time (Khalaf et al., 2023; Darwez et al., 2023). Conversely, a lack of trust can lead to skepticism, resistance, and reluctance to adopt or utilize the ERP system, which can hinder its effectiveness and success (Zamzeer et al., 2020). Therefore, building and maintaining trust is an essential aspect of ERP system efficiency and overall user satisfaction. In the context of Jordanian industrial firms, just as in other organizations, the protection of sensitive business data, financial information, and employee records is paramount (Smadi, 2016). Trust in the ERP system’s ability to secure and maintain the confidentiality of this data is a critical factor. If employees and stakeholders trust the system’s data security measures, they are more likely to be comfortable using the system for critical tasks (Egdair et al., 2015). Trust is also influenced by the transparency of system operations. When employees and stakeholders can see how the ERP system works and understand how data is managed and used, it builds confidence. Transparent practices help users trust that their data is handled responsibly and that the system’s processes are well-defined. Hence this study proposed that in light of the DOI theory, the high level of trust will lead to a high level of ERP systems among Jordanian industrial firms, this drives the following hypothesis, H2: The trust in using the ERP system significantly influences its efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms.
Perceived usefulness, often referred to as the “perceived utility” or “perceived value” is a concept in the field of technology acceptance and user experience (Lutfi & Alqudah, 2023). It relates to an individual’s subjective evaluation of how beneficial or valuable they believe a particular technology, system, or product is in helping them achieve their goals or solve their problems (Alsyouf et al., 2023; Scholtz et al., 2016). Perceived usefulness is a critical factor in understanding how and why people choose to use or adopt technology (Lutfi et al., 2023a; Moore & Benbasat, 1991).
Perceived usefulness plays a significant role in the ERP systems’ efficiency among Jordanian industrial firms. Jordanian industrial firms often implement ERP systems to streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge (Almajali et al., 2022). The perceived usefulness of an ERP system hinges on whether employees, especially key decision-makers, believe that the system can effectively support these business goals. The perceived usefulness of an ERP system is closely tied to its relevance to the daily tasks and responsibilities of employees (Egdair et al., 2015). If employees believe that the ERP system can simplify their work, enhance decision-making, and improve productivity, they are more likely to embrace its efficiency. When employees understand how the system will improve their work processes and contribute to the organization’s success, their perception of its usefulness is likely to be more positive. Employees may initially have doubts about the perceived usefulness, but effective change management strategies can help alleviate these concerns and build confidence in the system. Hence, we proposed that the high level of perceived usefulness will support the ERP system’s efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms, this drives the following hypothesis, H3: The perceived usefulness ERP system significantly influences its efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms.
Digital proficiency, also known as digital literacy or digital skills, refers to the ability of individuals to use and navigate digital technologies and tools effectively. It encompasses a range of competencies and knowledge related to using computers, software applications, the internet, and other digital resources. Digital proficiency is essential in today’s increasingly technology-driven world, as it empowers individuals to access information, communicate, solve problems, and perform tasks in various personal and professional contexts (Lutfi & Alqudah, 2023; Rawashdeh & Rawashdeh, 2023).
Digital proficiency plays a significant role in the successful efficiency of ERP systems. ERP systems are integrated software solutions that help organizations manage various business processes, such as finance, human resources, inventory, supply chain, and customer relationship management. When implementing an ERP system, it’s essential to consider the level of digital proficiency within firms. Because adequate training is essential to ensure that employees can effectively use the ERP system. A digitally proficient workforce will adapt more quickly to new technologies and processes (Egdair et al., 2015; Almajali et al., 2022). Digitally proficient users are more likely to input data correctly and follow best practices for data management, reducing errors and ensuring the reliability of the system. So, digital proficiency is a critical factor in the successful efficiency and use of ERP systems (Lutfi & Alqudah, 2023). That to say, firms should invest in training and resources to ensure that their workforce has the necessary digital skills to maximize the benefits of ERP system implementation.
Furthermore, the efficiency and successful implementation of ERP systems in Jordanian industrial firms is affected by digital proficiency. The digital proficiency helps ensure that data entry and management within the ERP system are accurate and consistent. This, in turn, leads to higher data quality, which is crucial for effective decision-making and reporting (Alkhazaleh, & Marei, 2021). Many Jordanian industrial firms use various digital tools and systems in their operations. Digital proficiency enables employees to integrate the ERP system with these existing tools, improving overall efficiency and connectivity (Smadi, 2016). With a proficient workforce, organizations may reduce the costs associated with additional training, support, and potential errors that could occur during ERP system efficiency. Finally, in the Jordanian industrial sector, having a digitally proficient workforce can provide a competitive advantage. Firms that can effectively utilize ERP systems are often better positioned for growth and efficiency. Hence, we proposed that in light of the DOI theory, the high level of digital proficiency will support the ERP system’s efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms, this drives the following hypothesis, H4: The digital proficiency of the ERP system significantly influences its efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms.
This study proposed that the company size moderates the relationship between technology factors (i.e., ease of use, trust, digital proficiency, and perceived usefulness) and the efficiency of the ERP system in Jordanian industrial firms. Company size pertains to the quantity of resources possessed by the organization, encompassing various metrics such as total assets, sales figures, average sales, and average total assets (Mansour et al., 2024). Essentially, it delineates the extent of an organization’s boundaries. Interpretations of company size can vary depending on perspectives and measurement criteria (Mansour et al., 2023b). While certain criteria may classify a company as large, another set of criteria might categorize a group of smaller companies differently. Additionally, company size correlates with the ratio of its size compared to another entity set (Mansour et al., 2024). However, asset size emerges as a preferred proxy for firm size (Dang et al., 2018; Wuryani, 2012; D’Amato & Falivena, 2020).
ERP systems in industrial firms serve as comprehensive software solutions that facilitate the integrated management of various core business processes. These systems are designed to streamline and optimize operations in industrial settings, including manufacturing, supply chain management, inventory control, and financial management (Zamzeer et al., 2020). ERP systems provide a centralized platform for real-time data access and reporting, enabling efficient decision-making and resource allocation (AboAbdo, Aldhoiena & Al-Amrib, 2019). They help industrial firms enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, improve quality control, and meet regulatory compliance standards. By integrating diverse functions and data, ERP systems play a key role in driving operational, competitiveness, and efficiency in the industrial sector.
The ease of use as one of the technology factors is regarded as a pivotal factor contributing to the successful integration of an organization’s resource planning system. Consequently, ensuring user-friendliness in an ERP system entails designing it to be visually appealing and logically structured, featuring delineated menus, icons, and navigation pathways. It is imperative that users can readily access desired features and functionalities. Furthermore, an ERP system should cater to users of varying technical proficiency levels (Egdair et al., 2015). Additionally, the size of the firm may carry significance, as larger companies can develop ERP systems tailored to their specific requirements and the competencies of their workforce, whereas smaller enterprises may encounter constraints in this regard.
Typically, a deficiency in trust can result in skepticism, resistance, and reluctance to adopt or utilize the ERP system, potentially impeding its efficacy and achievement (Zamzeer et al., 2020). Hence, fostering trust stands as a crucial element in enhancing ERP system performance. Within organizations, safeguarding sensitive business data, financial records, and employee information holds paramount importance (Smadi, 2016). Concurrently, larger enterprises may possess the capability to alleviate doubt, mistrust, and hesitation among their staff. Furthermore, large companies often attract skilled personnel with extensive technological proficiency, including experience with ERP systems, in contrast to their smaller counterparts.
The perceived usefulness of an ERP system relies on whether employees, particularly key decision-makers, are convinced that the system can effectively facilitate the attainment of business objectives. This perceived effectiveness is closely associated with the system’s relevance to employees’ daily tasks and duties (Egdair et al., 2015). When employees perceive that the ERP system can streamline their work processes, enhance decision-making, and boost productivity, they are more inclined to adopt it (Alqudah, 2023a). Initially, employees may harbor doubts regarding the perceived usefulness; however, robust change management strategies, often available in larger companies, can help assuage these concerns.
Moreover, not every company can ensure that its workforce possesses digital expertise; it requires investments in training, resources, and fostering a culture of ongoing learning. Companies must provide a variety of digital skills enhancement initiatives, ranging from online courses to internal workshops, tailored to employees’ specific roles (Alqudah et al., 2023b; AboAbdo et al., 2019). However, larger enterprises typically have the resources to offer training programs to their employees and provide a diverse array of digital skills development opportunities for utilizing ERP systems, unlike smaller businesses.
On another hand, this study examines company size as a moderator variable, company size pertains to the quantity of resources possessed by the organization, encompassing various metrics such as total assets, sales figures, average sales, and average total assets. Essentially, it delineates the extent of an organization’s boundaries. Interpretations of company size can vary depending on perspectives and measurement criteria. While certain criteria may classify a company as large, another set of criteria might categorize a group of smaller companies differently. Additionally, company size correlates with the ratio of its size compared to another entity set. However, asset size emerges as a preferred proxy for firm size (Dang et al., 2018; Wuryani, 2012; D’Amato & Falivena, 2020).
The size of a company may have a substantial influence on the availability of Digital Proficiency and the efficiency of ERP systems. While both large and small firms benefit from digital proficiency in terms of improved ERP system implementation and utilization, the impact varies. Larger firms often have more complex operations and may require a higher level of digital proficiency to navigate intricate processes and data management (Alqudah et al., 2023b). Further, Elton, Gruber, and Blake (2003) argue that companies possessing significant assets typically bear lower risk than those with fewer assets, attributed to their improved access to capital markets, resulting in superior performance relative to smaller firms. Conversely, smaller firms may find that digital proficiency can help them implement more cost-effective and readily scalable ERP solutions (AboAbdo et al., 2019; Alqudah, 2023b; Zaqeeba et al., 2024) (Fig. 1). The extent to which digital proficiency influences ERP efficiency is influenced by the specific needs and resources of firms of different sizes, and recognizing this interplay is crucial for successful ERP integration in Jordanian industrial contexts. Thus, based on the aforementioned, this study proposed that the company size moderates the relationship between technology factors (i.e., ease of use, trust, digital proficiency, and perceived usefulness) and ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms, this leads to the main hypothesis:
Research model.
H5: The sizes of Jordanian industrial firms moderate the effect of technology factors (i.e., ease of use, trust, digital proficiency, and perceived usefulness) on the ERP system efficiency.
The following sub-hypotheses branch out from the main hypothesis:
H5.1: The sizes of Jordanian industrial firms moderate the effect of ease of use on the ERP system efficiency.
H5.2: The sizes of Jordanian industrial firms moderate the effect of trust on the ERP system efficiency.
H5.3: The sizes of Jordanian industrial firms moderate the effect of digital proficiency on the ERP system efficiency.
H5.4: The sizes of Jordanian industrial firms moderate the effect of perceived usefulness on the ERP system efficiency.
This paper focuses on the technological factors influencing the efficiency of the ERP system in Jordanian industrial firms as the population of this study, as the population of the study is 55 listed industrial firms. Due to the small population, all the firms have been addressed as a study sample. As a sample for the study, department managers (IT Manager, Production Manager, Manager of Human Resources, and Financial Manager) were used as respondents for the study because they were qualified to answer the questionnaire variables. (220) questionnaires were distributed, four questionnaires for each company, and 92 questionnaires were retrieved and suitable for analysis, with a response rate of 42%, and this percentage is from the responses are acceptable for statistical analysis (Lutfi et al., 2022b; Alqudah, Amran & Hassan, 2019a). This study also examines company size as a moderator variable, which has been measured using the logarithm of total assets extracted from each firm’s annual report.
The questionnaire items utilized in this research were derived from surveys that had been validated and tested in previous studies. These measurements were employed to assess the variables contained in the questionnaire, including the dependent, independent, and moderator variables. The dependent variable gauges the efficiency of ERP systems within Jordanian industrial firms. The independent variables quantify the technological factors influencing the efficiency of ERP systems within these industrial firms. The moderator variables signify the varying sizes of industrial firms that may impact the connection between digital proficiency and ERP system efficiency. The details regarding the measurements for each variable investigated in the study are outlined in Appendix 1.
This study employed the “Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 25)” for data analysis The “data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, as well as the performance of simple linear regression and hierarchical regression tests within the SPSS” software. In terms of gathering the demographic profile of the participants, four specific questions were utilized to elicit information about their age, educational background, years of professional experience, and job title. As shown in Table 1, the result indicates that a significant proportion of the respondents fell within the age bracket of approximately 41–50 years (64%). Additionally, the majority of participants held a bachelor’s degree (63%), with a notable 22% possessing a master’s degree. A substantial portion of the respondents had accumulated a minimum of 8 years of professional experience (90%). For job titles, (34%) of respondents were Human Resources’ Managers, (29%) were Production Managers, (20%) were Financial Managers, and (17%) were IT Managers. As a result, the demographic information about the respondents underscores their substantial knowledge and experience, making them well-suited to partake in the survey and provide reliable data for this study (Al Qudah, Osman & Al Qudah, 2014; Alrfai et al., 2023; Alghadi et al., 2023; Alqudah, Amran & Hassan, 2019b).
In terms of descriptive statistics, the mean values of the variables, as depicted in Table 2, exceeded the midpoint on the one-to-five scale. We categorized the five-point scale into three groups: low, medium, and high. Based on the following equation: They are represented numerically (5, 4, 3, 2, 1) respectively, the measure was calculated by using the following equation: The upper limit of the scale (5) – the lower limit of the scale (1)/Number of categories required (3), [5–1/3] = 1.33 and then add the answer (1.33) to the end of each category. Hence, scores below 2.33 fall into the low category, scores above 3.67 are classified as high, and scores ranging between 2.33 and 3.67 are deemed moderate, following the guidelines outlined by Hair, Hult, Ringle, and Sarstedt (2016).
As depicted in Table 2, the average values for the study variables fall within the range of 4.48 to 3.54. This implies that all the study variables exhibit a highly favorable mean level. To elaborate, the findings indicate that, according to the manager’s perceptions within Jordanian industrial firms, there is a notably high degree of ERP system efficiency, trust, perceived usefulness, and digital proficiency, found that ease of use has a moderate level.
Table 4 illustrates the outcomes of the Multiple Linear Regression test, revealing the regression coefficients for various technological factors (namely, ease of use, trust, perceived usefulness, and digital proficiency) as independent variables in relation to ERP system efficiency, serving as the dependent variable.
All variables demonstrated significance (p < 0.01), with one exception. In terms of t-values, the highest was associated with perceived usefulness (t-value = 1.772), indicating its substantial contribution to explaining the dependent variable (ERP system efficiency). Conversely, trust exhibited the lowest t-value (t-value = 1.068), signifying its non-significant impact on ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms (p-value > 0.05). The ease of use displayed a t-value of 3.415, indicating a significant effect on ERP system efficiency (p-value < 0.01), while digital proficiency had a t-value of 2.718, also signifying a noteworthy impact on ERP system efficiency (p-value < 0.01). The hypothesis testing results confirmed the significant influence of the independent variables (perceived usefulness, ease of use, and digital proficiency) on the dependent variable (ERP system efficiency), thereby being accepted as indicated in Table 3.
Notably, Table 3 underscores a significant correlation between technological factors (ease of use, perceived usefulness, digital proficiency) and ERP system efficiency, with the determination coefficient (R2) at 0.329, signifying that ERP system efficiency elucidated 32.9% of the variation in technological factors, leaving 67.1% attributable to other factors.
In the examination through Hierarchical Regression, the outcomes pertaining to the Fifth Hypothesis are presented in Table 4. This hypothesis posited that the sizes of industrial firms in Jordan play a moderating role in influencing the impact of digital proficiency on ERP system efficiency.
It was found that there was a significant effect of the technological factors (ease of use, perceived usefulness, digital proficiency) combined on the ERP system efficiency, as the value of (ΔF = 39.158) reached a significance level (Sig ΔF = 0.000), which is less than 0.05, and the value of the coefficient of determination R2, which amounted to (0.408), indicated The percentage of change (40.8%) resulting from the ERP system efficiency can be justified by the dimensions of technological factors combined.
In the second model, the moderator variable (company size) was incorporated into the regression analysis. This resulted in a notable increase in the coefficient of determination R² by 10.9%, signifying statistical significance. Specifically, the ΔF value surged to 47.677, reaching a significant level (Sig ΔF = 0.000) well below 0.05. The coefficient B for the variable (company size) stood at 0.362, with a significance level (Sig T = 0.000), indicating variations in the influence of technological factors on ERP system efficiency contingent upon differences in company size.
Table (5) shows that the results of the hierarchical regression confirmed that when the moderator variable (company size) was added to the regression model, the value of ΔF reached (19.262) at an insignificant level (Sig ΔF = 0.241), which is higher than 0.05, and the value of the path coefficient reached for the company size amounted to (0.047), with an insignificance level (SigT=0.253), and this indicates the effect of ease of use on the ERP system efficiency will not be affected by differences size of the Jordanian industrial firms, Hence the first sub-hypothesis (H5.1) is rejected.
Table (6) shows that the results of the hierarchical regression confirmed that when the moderator variable (company size) was added to the regression model, the value of ΔF reached (4.904) at an insignificant level (Sig ΔF = 0.386), which is higher than 0.05, and the value of the path coefficient reached for the company size amounted to (0.72), with an insignificance level (SigT = 0.138), and this indicates the effect of Trust on the ERP system efficiency will not be affected by differences size of the Jordanian industrial firms, Hence the first sub-hypothesis (H5.2) is rejected.
Table (7) shows that the results of the hierarchical regression confirmed that when the moderator variable (company size) was added to the regression model, the value of ΔF reached (72.227) at a significant level (Sig ΔF = 0.000), which is less than 0.05, and the value of the path coefficient reached for the company size amounted to (0.481), with a significance level (SigT=0.000), and this indicates the effect of Perceived usefulness on the ERP system efficiency will be affected by differences size of the Jordanian industrial firms, Hence the first sub-hypothesis (H5.3) is accepted.
Table (8) shows that the results of the hierarchical regression confirmed that when the moderator variable (company size) was added to the regression model, the value of ΔF reached (66.663) at a significant level (Sig ΔF = 0.000), which is less than 0.05, and the value of the path coefficient reached for the company size amounted to (0.467), with a significance level (SigT=0.000), and this indicates the effect of Digital Proficiency on the ERP system efficiency will be affected by differences size of the Jordanian industrial firms, Hence the first sub-hypothesis (H5.4) is accepted.
This study conducted an analysis of the impact of technological factors on the efficiency of ERP systems in Jordanian industrial firms. It contributes to the existing literature on ERP systems by introducing technological factors as precursors to ERP system efficiency. Additionally, the study explores company size as a moderating variable in the relationship between digital proficiency and ERP system efficiency. The findings of this study offer both theoretical and empirical support for the association between technological factors (with the exception of trust) and ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms.
More precisely, the study found that ease of use affecting positively the ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms (H1). That means when employees find an ERP system easy to use, they are more likely to engage with it effectively and incorporate it seamlessly into their workflow (Egdair et al., 2015). A user-friendly interface and intuitive functionalities reduce the learning curve, making it easier for employees to navigate the system and perform tasks efficiently (Abu Afifa et al., 2023). This heightened usability not only enhances individual user satisfaction but also contributes to increased overall system adoption and proficiency (Zamzeer et al., 2020). As employees become more adept at utilizing the ERP system without encountering significant usability barriers, it leads to smoother and more streamlined operations, ultimately positively impacting the overall efficiency of the ERP system within Jordanian industrial firms (Almajali et al., 2022).
Further, this study finds that the ERP efficiency system is not affected by the trust in Jordanian industrial firms (H2). The lack of a significant effect of trust on ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms can be justified by several factors. Firstly, it’s possible that in the context of these firms, trust is not a predominant factor influencing the functionality or utilization of ERP systems (Daviy, 2023). Industrial processes and operations may be more influenced by other technological factors, rendering trust less critical in this specific scenario. Additionally, the nature of the industrial sector may prioritize technical functionalities and system performance over interpersonal trust (Zamzeer et al., 2020). Furthermore, if the organizations have robust security measures and established protocols, employees may place less emphasis on trust as a decisive factor in determining the efficiency of the ERP system. The absence of a significant impact could also be attributed to the study’s specific focus on Jordanian industrial firms, where trust dynamics might differ from other organizational contexts.
The positive impact of perceived usefulness on ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms (H3) is justified by the notion that when employees perceive the ERP system as valuable and beneficial to their tasks, they are more likely to engage with it proactively. Perceived usefulness reflects the employees’ belief that using the ERP system will enhance their job performance and contribute to achieving organizational goals (Egdair et al., 2015). In industrial settings, where operational efficiency is paramount, if employees perceive the ERP system as a tool that genuinely aids in their daily tasks, they are more motivated to embrace and utilize it effectively (Almajali et al., 2022). This positive perception can lead to a higher degree of system adoption, and proficient usage, and ultimately contribute to the overall efficiency of the ERP system within Jordanian industrial firms.
The positive impact of digital proficiency on ERP system efficiency in Jordanian industrial firms (H4) is substantiated by the premise that employees with higher digital proficiency possess the skills and capabilities needed to navigate and utilize the ERP system effectively (Egdair et al., 2015). In an era where technological tools play a pivotal role in industrial operations, employees adept in digital skills are better equipped to leverage the features and functionalities of the ERP system (Zamzeer et al., 2020). Their proficiency in handling digital tools and technologies enables them to optimize the use of the ERP system, leading to enhanced efficiency in various operational processes. Digital proficiency facilitates quicker adoption, reduces errors, and empowers employees to harness the full potential of the ERP system, contributing significantly to its overall efficiency in the context of Jordanian industrial firms (Khammassi et al., 2024).
However, the study concludes that the moderating influence of company size on the correlation between technology factors (such as ease of use, perceived usefulness, and digital proficiency combined) and ERP system efficiency is statistically significant (H5). This suggests that the relationship between technology factors and ERP system efficiency will be positively affected by the varying sizes of Jordanian industrial firms. Specifically, the impact of technology factors on ERP system efficiency is expected to be more pronounced in larger Jordanian industrial firms. Additionally, this study investigated company size as a moderating variable for each technology factor.
The findings indicate that the impact of perceived usefulness on ERP system efficiency is positively influenced by differences in the sizes of Jordanian industrial firms (H5.3). This suggests that the effect of perceived usefulness on ERP system efficiency is amplified in larger Jordanian industrial firms, as employees are more likely to adopt the system when they perceive it as streamlining work processes, enhancing decision-making, and boosting productivity. Although employees may initially harbor doubts regarding the perceived usefulness, robust change management strategies, often available in larger companies, can help alleviate these concerns. Furthermore, the results indicate that the impact of digital proficiency on ERP system efficiency is positively influenced by differences in the sizes of Jordanian industrial firms (H5.4). This suggests that the effect of digital proficiency on ERP system efficiency is heightened in larger Jordanian industrial firms, as they typically have the resources to offer training programs to employees and provide various opportunities for digital skills development to utilize ERP systems, unlike smaller businesses.
On the other hand, the findings reveal that the associations between Trust (H5.1) and Ease of Use (H5.2), and ERP system efficiency are unaffected by the differences in the sizes of Jordanian industrial firms. This outcome can be explained by the possibility that, within the context of Jordanian industrial firms, the influence of Trust and Ease of Use on ERP efficiency remains relatively consistent regardless of company size. It implies that the benefits attributed to Trust and Ease of Use of ERP systems are not significantly impacted by the scale of the company (AboAbdo et al., 2019). The uniformity in technological adoption patterns, similar infrastructural challenges, or a consistent industry-specific environment could contribute to this observed lack of significance. Furthermore, methodological factors such as the approach used to measure Trust and Ease of Use, as well as the categorization of company size, might influence the detection of a notable moderating effect. The summary of the SPSS analysis results for the study model is presented in Fig. 2.
Research model and results of the study hypotheses.
Finally, this study expands the landscape of accounting and auditing research by presenting evidence on the impact of technological factors, namely ease of use, digital proficiency, and perceived usefulness, on the efficiency of ERP systems within the Jordanian industrial sector, a developing nation. Additionally, it enriches the domain of the DOI theory by affirming its applicability in elucidating ERP systems’ efficiency dynamics in the Jordanian industrial context. Notably, this research offers novel insights by examining the utilization of ERP systems within the framework of a developing nation, a departure from the predominant focus on Western developed nations in previous studies. This shift is crucial as the relevance and importance of ERP systems in developing nations, exemplified by Jordan, differ from their status in more developed contexts like the United Kingdom. The study contributes to the validation of the DOI theory in explaining ERP systems within the Jordanian industrial sector, shedding light on the use and efficiency of ERP systems in Jordan and potentially providing applicable insights for other developing nations with similar contexts.
The current study offers several noteworthy practical and theoretical implications. From a theoretical perspective, there is a scarcity of research that delves into the role of technological factors in accounting systems. This study strongly reinforces the idea that the integration of technological factors significantly enhances the efficiency of ERP systems in firms. Prior research on ERP system efficiency has primarily concentrated on factors influencing their efficiency, rather than examining elements that can facilitate their successful implementation, such as technological factors. Moreover, exploring the influence of company size as a moderating factor in the relationship between digital proficiency and ERP system efficiency within the context of Jordanian industrial firms, even if seemingly inconsequential, presents an intriguing avenue for research that could yield valuable insights, particularly applicable to similar developing countries.
From a practical standpoint, the empirical findings suggest that Jordanian firms should give careful consideration to their ERP systems and technological components. It’s imperative for them to recognize the necessity of allocating adequate resources for the efficient operation of ERP systems. A well-functioning ERP system can significantly streamline financial activities in Jordanian firms, resulting in reduced effort, cost, and time expenditure. These conclusions have the potential to provide valuable guidance to decision-makers in Jordan as they formulate regulations and strategies to facilitate the effective adoption of ERP systems across Jordanian firms.
No research is devoid of constraints, and the current study is no exception. It exhibits certain limitations. Firstly, this investigation concentrated solely on the impact of technological factors on ERP system efficiency. Subsequent research endeavors could explore alternative factors and conduct comparisons to yield supplementary insights. Secondly, the reliance on Jordanian data restricts the scope of this study. Future research is advised to expand its scope by incorporating data from diverse countries to gain a deeper understanding of how cultural differences might influence the research context. Thirdly, the utilization of ERP systems in Jordan is still in its nascent stage. Therefore, future research could investigate how ERP systems affect a company’s financial performance in this evolving context. Fourthly, it is crucial for future works to carefully consider control variables to enhance the robustness of their research, researchers should thoroughly account and identify for potential control factors that could influence the findings. This can help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationships being studied. By paying close attention to control variables and employing rigorous methodologies in future studies, researchers can ensure the credibility and integrity of their study results, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their field. Further, the outcomes of the present investigation are derived from Jordanian industrial companies that are publicly listed. Therefore, any extrapolation of these findings to alternative contexts should be approached carefully. The results may likely vary in dissimilar levels, sectors, or countries. Lastly, this study has focused exclusively on Jordanian industrial firms as its research subjects. Future research initiatives could explore different sectors to enhance the breadth of knowledge in this field.
The dataset collected and/or analyzed during the present study is not publicly accessible due to confidentiality agreements with participants. The participants had furnished personal data and agreed to answer probing questions in the questionnaire upon the precondition that none of their data would be shared subsequently, except in case of extremely reasonable requirements. Hence, upon a reasonable request, the supporting data of the current research can be provided by the corresponding authors.
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This research was funded through the annual funding track by the Deanship of Scientific Research, from the Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia [GrantA279].
College of Business Administration, The University of Kalba (UKB), Kalba, 11115, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Abdalwali Lutfi
Department of Accounting, College of Business, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
Abdalwali Lutfi
MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
Abdalwali Lutfi
Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
Abdalwali Lutfi
Jadara University Research Center, Jadara University, Irbid, 21110, Jordan
Hamza Alqudah
Accounting Department, Faculty of Administrative and Financial Sciences, Irbid National University, Irbid, 2600, Jordan
Hamza Alqudah & Nidal Zaqeeba
Department of Accounting—Business School Faculties, Al Ahilya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
Khaleel Ibrahim Al-Daoud
Quantitative Method, College of Business Administration, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
Mahmaod Alrawad
College of Business Administration and Economics, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma’an, 71111, Jordan
Mahmaod Alrawad
Department of Computer Science, King Abdullah the II IT School, the University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
Mohammed Amin Almaiah
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Conceptualization, HA, AL; Methodology, HA, AL, MAA; Resources, MA, KIA; Writing—original draft preparation, HA, AL, NZ; Writing—review and editing, All authors; Project administration, MA, KIA, NZ. Correspondence to HA, AL; Funding, AL. All authors have read and agreed to the submitted version of the manuscript. Additionally, all authors have read, thoroughly reviewed, and approved the final submitted manuscript for publication.
Correspondence to Abdalwali Lutfi or Hamza Alqudah.
The authors declare no competing interests.
The procedures used in this research adhere to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The corresponding author obtained permission to conduct the study. The research was carried out in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration guidelines and has been approved by the Permanent Committee for Scientific Research Ethics at the Deanship of Scientific Research, King Faisal University (GrantA279). Informed consents were obtained from participants prior to the survey to ensure respondents had a good understanding of the study objectives.
The survey was conducted upon informed consent previously gained from participants, who agreed to provide data for data analysis for this study. We informed each respondent of their rights and to safeguard their personal information.
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Ethiopia Embarks on Inclusive Internet Governance, Says Minister Belete​​​​​​​ – ኢዜአ

Addis Ababa December 6, 2024 (ENA)—Ethiopia has been working hard to realize digital transformation through establishing reliable and inclusive internet governance, Minister of Innovation and Technology (MoIT) Belete Molla said.
The second Ethiopia internet governance forum was held in Addis Ababa on Thursday with a theme “Multi-stakeholder Collaboration for Ethiopia’s Digital Future” which is part of the efforts to realize Digital Ethiopia.
Addressing the forum, Belete noted that the government of Ethiopia considers the internet as the driving force of change, motor of communication and growth. For the minister, the internet does not only connect trades, individuals, and governments, but also serves as a necessary source of knowledge, capacity and the source of new opportunities.
To realize Ethiopia’s digital transformation, reliable and inclusive internet governance is instrumental, the minister emphasized.
Noting that the government has been undertaking comprehensive Homegrown Economic Reform and Digital Ethiopia 2025 frameworks during the past four years, he said such reform endeavors have brought a fundamental change in the ecosystem of the digital economy of the country in general and internet accessibility in particular.
Various legal frameworks have been implemented to ensure inclusive, healthy and sustainable growth of the digital sector, he affirmed.
The government of Ethiopia is committed to reinforcing ongoing efforts along the journey to realize digital transformation through inclusive and participatory approach, the minister further stated.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Director for Africa Emmanuel Manasseh for his part underscored that digital technology is instrumental to tackle the global pressing issues.

“The theme Multi-stakeholder collaboration for Ethiopia’s digital future challenges us to look around and ask how we can collaboratively work together to make use of digital technologies to develop our countries.” 
Pertinent internet governance stakeholders, education and research institutions, government institutions, CSOs, representatives of the private sector and the youth attended the forum.
Launched in 2020, Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation Strategy aims to harness technology to drive economic growth and citizen engagement.

Ethiopia Embarks on Inclusive Internet Governance, Says Minister Belete​​​​​​​ – ኢዜአ Read More »

How to use AI to create police officer training – Police News

AI tools are increasingly adept at generating images to support training and education content.

Responses to Police1’s “What Cops Want in 2024” state of the industry survey question, “Is your agency using AI tools?” indicate that the use of AI large language models in law enforcement is off to a slow start.
A large language model (LLM) is an advanced artificial intelligence system designed to process and generate human-like text based on extensive training data, enabling it to assist with tasks such as writing, summarizing, and answering questions. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is one of the most well-known LLMs, using machine learning to understand and analyze human language.
More than 90% of the 2,833 responders answered, “Don’t know” (21.9%) or “Never adopted” (69.4%) to the AI use question. The 242 respondents using or exploring AI tools were asked about specific uses for personnel management, operations analysis, incident documentation, and investigations. Just 12 (5%) of those 242 respondents reported frequently using AI tools to create training or educational materials. Another 29 (16.1%) said they are using AI tools occasionally, and 27 (11.2%) said they are planning to adopt AI tools to create training materials.

Despite the potential benefits, many police trainers are not yet using AI LLMs to create training materials.

Some of the key reasons police trainers might be reluctant to use ChatGPT, Gemini or other AI LLMs include:

Training and familiarity are often the top reasons that slow the adoption of new technology, especially when time is limited. The persona and task technique is a great way to get started with using an LLM.

To effectively use an AI LLM, assign it a persona or role. For example: “You are an experienced shift commander with decades of experience supervising patrol officers and delivering impactful and informative shift briefings.” Then provide a specific prompt like writing an outline, answering a question or analyzing data.

The formula is: “You are a [PERSONA], help with [TASK].”
The next step is to assign tasks to your AI persona.

It’s helpful to think of AI as your virtual assistant. How can this assistant conduct research, and prepare materials or organization information? For example, an AI assistant might be able to help you organize or outline a shift briefing, prepare scenarios to discuss with patrol officers and create questions for a post-shift briefing quiz in your department’s learning management system.

In this example, the persona is the experience shift commander and the task is to write an outline for a 5-minute shifting briefing presentation. This is the LLM response:

After the quick review of signs of impaired driving, engage the patrol officers in a scenario discussion. Either draw on a real incident from your jurisdiction, or ask your AI assistant to develop a scenario. Depending on your LLM you can either continue in the same thread or start a new thread. I recommend continuing the same thread.

During a routine patrol on a residential street at dusk, you notice a vehicle traveling unusually slow, frequently braking despite no obstacles, and making abrupt, unnecessary turns into driveways only to reverse back onto the road. When you initiate a stop, the driver appears visibly nervous, avoids eye contact, and speaks rapidly, giving inconsistent answers about their destination. You also notice an open energy drink can. However, their coordination seems intact, and no strong indicators of impairment are immediately present.

Finish the shift briefing with a quiz or survey using your organization’s learning management system or knowledge management system. Easy quiz questions ask patrol officers to recall information, like the BAC limit for impaired driving. More complex quiz questions require analysis or synthesis.
In the same prompt thread as the scenario, ask the LLM to suggest quiz questions.

This article was written with canvas, an interface built into ChatGPT 4o. The prompts in this article were given to the ChatGPT LLM and the responses are from ChatGPT. As a shift commander, patrol officer or law enforcement trainer you are the best person to assess the accuracy and applicability of the outline, discussion questions and quiz questions. How well did the LLM do at creating useful material for a shift briefing?
You might also, because of your experience and knowledge, be able to write better prompts and fine-tune those prompts. For example, I thought the first DUI discussion scenario was too basic and asked ChatGPT to revise the scenario with this follow-up prompt, “Please try again. The scenario and discussion questions are too basic. The patrol officers are experienced and regularly encounter impaired drivers. I need something that will capture their attention and challenge their thinking.”
In addition to applying your own experience and knowledge, here are three other cautions when using AI for developing law enforcement training materials.

If you are just beginning to experiment with AI in law enforcement, send us your questions. If you have been using AI to develop police officer training, let us know what is working well and your lessons learned you want to share with other law enforcement trainers. Send your questions and experiences to editor@police1.com.
Police1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

Greg Friese, MS, NRP, is the Lexipol Editorial Director, leading the efforts of the editorial team on Police1, FireRescue1, Corrections1, EMS1 and Gov1. Greg has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from the University of Idaho. He is an educator, author, paramedic and runner. Greg is a three-time Jesse H. Neal award winner, the most prestigious award in specialized journalism, and 2018 and 2020 Eddie Award winner for best Column/Blog. Ask questions or submit article ideas to Greg by emailing him at gfriese@lexipol.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.
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AI for Quantum Error Correction: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Quantum Error Correction – The Quantum Insider

AI for Quantum Error Correction: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Quantum Error Correction – The Quantum Insider


Insider Brief
Most discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum are focused on using quantum computing to boost AI. However, the conversation should go both ways because AI can also assist quantum computing.
In fact, AI tools like machine learning (ML) can be used to improve the efficiency and scalability of quantum error correction (QEC), a critical component for making quantum computers more practical. That’s the conclusion of a recent preprint study uploaded to arXiv by researchers Zihao Wang of the University of Pennsylvania and Hao Tang of Peking University.
These two technologies, working together, could unlock quantum’s potential, according to the researchers.
“Quantum computing has potential to revolutionize computational capabilities, by harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics to address problems conventionally intractable for classical computers [2], [3]. Its applications span various domains, including cryptography, optimization and simulation of physical quantum systems,” The team writes. “However, practical implementation of quantum computing faces significant challenges, primarily due to the vulnerability of quantum systems to errors caused by decoherence and quantum noise.”
The team offered a comprehensive review of the opportunity to use AI tools to improve quantum error correction and — by extension — quantum computing, itself.
Quantum computing, which promises unprecedented computational power, faces a key challenge: the susceptibility of quantum systems to errors. These errors stem from phenomena such as decoherence, noise, and gate imperfections. Without correction mechanisms, quantum computations quickly become unreliable.
The team writes that traditional QEC methods, such as Shor’s code and surface codes, encode logical qubits across multiple physical qubits to detect and correct errors. However, these methods face significant limitations, including high resource requirements, complex decoding processes, and limited adaptability to real-world quantum noise. For example, surface codes, widely regarded as a scalable QEC solution, often demand thousands of physical qubits to encode a single logical qubit.
The study examines how AI tools can address these limitations by leveraging ML algorithms to decode errors more efficiently, adapt to dynamic environments, and model complex noise patterns. Specifically, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning and reinforcement learning paradigms are highlighted as pivotal for advancing QEC.
Some of the ways AI can help is by improving decoding efficiency, enhancing robustness and adaptability, and facilitating complex error modeling:
Conventional decoding algorithms, such as minimum-weight perfect matching, are computationally intensive and scale poorly as quantum systems grow. According to the study, AI models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can drastically reduce decoding times by recognizing error patterns in lattice-based codes like surface codes. These ML models, trained on simulated datasets, demonstrate the ability to identify and correct errors faster than traditional methods while requiring fewer computational resources.
Quantum systems are inherently dynamic, with error rates and types fluctuating due to environmental changes and hardware imperfections. Reinforcement learning (RL) techniques, which allow models to adapt to real-time feedback, have shown promise in tailoring error correction strategies to specific system conditions. For example, RL-based decoders can adjust to varying noise levels and detect error correlations that conventional methods might miss.
Moreover, supervised ML models like recurrent neural networks (RNNs) excel in handling time-dependent error patterns, such as non-Markovian noise, which cannot be addressed by static error models. These adaptive capabilities are critical for real-world applications of QEC, particularly in noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices.
Modeling quantum errors—especially non-Pauli errors and non-Markovian noise—is another area where AI excels. The researchers highlight the use of generative models like variational autoencoders (VAEs) and RNNs to capture complex error dynamics. These models not only improve the accuracy of error prediction but also enable proactive maintenance by identifying trends that signal system degradation. This predictive capability is vital for stabilizing quantum computations over time.
The study references multiple recent efforts to integrate AI into QEC workflows. For instance, Google Quantum AI demonstrated the use of neural networks for decoding surface codes, achieving faster and more accurate error correction than traditional algorithms. Similarly, IBM’s research applied ML techniques to identify and mitigate unique error patterns in their superconducting quantum processors.
Another example is the AlphaQubit model, a recurrent neural network designed to decode surface codes under realistic noise conditions. The study notes that such AI-enabled approaches consistently outperform traditional decoders in terms of both speed and error correction fidelity.
While AI holds promise for advancing QEC, the study identifies several hurdles that need to be addressed:
The researchers emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between quantum physicists, computer scientists and engineers to overcome these obstacles and fully realize the potential of AI in quantum error correction.
The findings discussed here are based on a preprint, which is a version of a scientific study shared publicly before undergoing formal peer review. While preprints allow for rapid dissemination of research, they have not been validated by the rigorous scrutiny of the peer-review process. As such, the results should be interpreted with caution.
The study was authored by Zihao Wang, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Hao Tang, a researcher at Peking University’s School of Computer Science. Both authors bring expertise in quantum computing and machine learning, contributing to the growing body of work at the intersection of these fields.
For a deeper, more technical dive — which this article can’t provide — please read the paper here.

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Bridging Education Gaps Through Culturally Inclusive EdTech Tools in Ethiopia – Shega

Bridging Education Gaps Through Culturally Inclusive EdTech Tools in Ethiopia – Shega


Team Shega
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Access to quality education has been part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for nearly eight decades. While significant headway has been made over the years, millions of school-age children remain deprived of this fundamental right to this very day. Shortage of schools, basic infrastructure, and cultural heterogeneity have combined to diminish access, particularly in the developing world.
Reimagining education through 21st-century technology has allowed stakeholders to expand access in previously unthinkable ways. However, each stage of progress reveals novel sets of challenges and barriers in the world of Ed-Tech.
The August episode of Ed-Tech Mondays, a radio show produced by Shega Media & Technology in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, looked into one of these issues. Titled “Embracing Diversity in Learning Tools”, a lively ideological session ensued which peered into the nooks and crannies of cultural differences and their impact on the Ethiopian education landscape.
With nearly 80 ethnic nationalities and nearly the same number of languages, Ethiopia presents a unique challenge in the development of inclusive Ed-tech tools.
Helina Ayalew, co-creator of Edtech Ethiopia, underscored the importance of inclusive design in Ed-tech tools to foster swift adoption and impactful reach. She stressed the need to develop educational material tailored to Ethiopia’s multilingual heritage and geographical expansiveness.
“Creating content in local languages prevents the potential loss of nuance that occurs during direct translation,” Helina noted.
Betelhem Tadesse, Early Childhood Education program advisor, complimented the notion. She pointed out the potential benefits of contextualizing educational content to the cultural heritage of different communities across Ethiopia. Betelhem foreshadowed potential gains in inclusivity by leveraging the richness of existing traditional education practices with Ed-tech tools.
The panelists recalled their shared experiences of being confronted with a language shock during their early education in Ethiopia. For nearly two decades, Ethiopian students would see their entire curriculum being suddenly shifted to English when they enter high school.
“Several lessons are missed out as the students adapt to the early frustrations of a new language and context,” Bethlem noted.
Hilina suggested interlacing education during the formative years with elements of English to decrease the likelihood of shock much later.
Language has been a contentious issue in Ethiopia’s education policy for several years. Some advocate native languages being the medium of instruction throughout the entire educational career while others have called for a multilingual approach. The Education Ministry’s new policy tries to bridge the contrasting views by allowing children to learn in their native tongue before 1st grade, three languages until high school with the mandatory transition to English coming last.
Host Rediet Meshesha referred to the significant disparity between private and public school students in adapting to English at high school
“The language transition could be intermixed at early grades,” she suggested.
However, language is just one, albeit important, element of unique cultural identities cultivated and nurtured throughout a lifetime.
Bethelem pinned the impactful adoption of Ed-tech tools on the contextualized understanding of local customs and traditions. She explained how some cultures have prohibitions on practices that could be viewed as norms in other places.
Bethelhem referred to the introduction of movie theaters in Ethiopia and how they were viewed as the ‘devil’s house’ in the early days.
“Understanding local values helps in selecting the most impactful tools,” she emphasized.
Behelehem also stated the importance of understanding geographical proximity to urban areas in developing tools. Selections between radio, television or any other communication medium play a major role in developing effective tools, according to the advisor.
Helina further bolstered the sentiment by referencing the role of technology. She indicated that technology helps in attaining a certain goal and that it is not an end goal all by itself.
“Culture and context are crucial in developing technology,” Hilina remarked.
As Ed-tech tools look to primarily upgrade the existing education infrastructure, the role of teachers remains crucial to the task. Empowering teachers with the ability to better understand cultural nuances while upskilling could prove highly consequential. A recent nationwide examination of teachers across Ethiopia was quite alarming as just 22% managed to score a passing grade in English proficiency. While not conclusive on its own it provides some insights into the recent struggle of students to attain passing grades for university entrance.
Hilina called for the development of tools and curriculums that bridge the gap between teachers and students. She reflected on the cultural mismatch that occurs when curriculums are developed in urban settings to then be transplanted onto rural communities.
“Understanding the best way teachers communicate to their local students is essential,” she noted.
Repeated engagements, feedbacks, and constant interaction with teachers is important feedback in creating impactful tools, according to Hilina.
Betelhem echoed the reflections.
She foresees maximum impact from Ed-tech tools arising out of continued updates based on feedback from teachers and local communities. Bethelhem suggested focusing training in Ed-tech tools on the lived experience of teachers who have direct access to the local cultural context.
Providing access to quality education is an undertaking that requires the combined efforts of several stakeholders. While governments play a significant role in policy-making, Ed-tech startups, development partners, and NGOs contribute to creating tools with impactful results.  One of these institutions is the Mastercard Foundation which through its Edtech Fellowship and other efforts has been providing significant support in bridging the education gap for underserved young people in Ethiopia
Fellowship is a 3-year catalytic acceleration program designed to bridge the education gap for underserved young people in
Bethelhem expects engagement with local community groupings like saving groups, Aka Edir and Ekub to provide useful insight in contextualizing efforts to local nuances. She recommended taking lessons from the health sector which has had relatively better success in Ethiopia.
“Private sector actors could play a central role in accelerating the effort,” Bethelhem noted.
She pointed out the promises of public-private partnerships for creating sustainable Ed-tech tools that best serve local communities.
Hilina acknowledged the global importance of governments in spearheading inclusive education access while signaling areas ripe for private sector participation. She cited the benefits of experimentation, direct engagement and flexibility available to private actors.
“Impactful intervention can come about from multistakeholder engagement,” Hilina said.
She also stressed the importance of conducting continuous research to gain insights on which tools bring about maximum benefits to students. Hilina elucidated on how language and cultural contexts influence early childhood education.
“You don’t want to burden them with two (new languages and ideas) difficult tasks,” Hilina said.
Tools, partnerships, training, and tailored technologies towards creating inclusive Ed-tools were shared by the panelists. Powerful insights on how to bridge the education gap by understanding culture and linguistics were ubiquitous through the last Ed-tech Monday episode aired on Fana Radio.

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