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<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are widely viewed as enabling technologies for environmental sustainability in developing and transitioning economies; however, their realized impact depends on readiness conditions that extend beyond technical availability. This qualitative study investigates how AI–IoT initiatives translate into environmental outcomes in Kuwait, a context characterized by advanced connectivity alongside uneven digital culture and evolving regulatory preparedness. Data were generated from twelve purposively selected expert interviews spanning government and regulatory entities, private-sector implementation (ICT and banking), higher education, and environment-related practices. The interviews were analysed through a systematic thematic procedure supported by AI-assisted qualitative coding, triangulation across analytic outputs, and an auditable coding trial. Four interrelated themes emerged: (1) structural and operational barriers to adoption, (2) socio-ethical dimensions and technology acceptance, (3) environmental and operational impacts of AI–IoT adoption, and (4) institutional readiness and governance requirements, with cross-cutting readiness dynamics shaping all four dimensions. The findings indicate that AI–IoT systems can enable real-time monitoring, resource optimization, and pro-environmental behavioral nudges; however, the impact of these systems is constrained by limited technical literacy, fragmented coordination, outdated regulations, and low sustainability awareness. The study synthesizes these mechanisms into an integrated conceptual framework and a roadmap-oriented set of implications for accelerating sustainable digital transformation aligned with national agendas such as Kuwait Vision 2035. The study outcomes suggest that a national AI-IoT sustainability governance framework should be developed. There is a need for pilot projects at the sector level for environmental monitoring, the establishment of AI-IoT support centers within public institutions and universities, professional capacity-building programs, and targeted public awareness campaigns linking smart technologies to environmental responsibility.</p>

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Leveraging artificial intelligence and the internet of things for environmental sustainability in developing and transitioning economies

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月30日

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  • Ahmed Al-Hunaiyyan,
  • Nabeel Al-Khulaifi,
  • Omar Ali

摘要

Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are widely viewed as enabling technologies for environmental sustainability in developing and transitioning economies; however, their realized impact depends on readiness conditions that extend beyond technical availability. This qualitative study investigates how AI–IoT initiatives translate into environmental outcomes in Kuwait, a context characterized by advanced connectivity alongside uneven digital culture and evolving regulatory preparedness. Data were generated from twelve purposively selected expert interviews spanning government and regulatory entities, private-sector implementation (ICT and banking), higher education, and environment-related practices. The interviews were analysed through a systematic thematic procedure supported by AI-assisted qualitative coding, triangulation across analytic outputs, and an auditable coding trial. Four interrelated themes emerged: (1) structural and operational barriers to adoption, (2) socio-ethical dimensions and technology acceptance, (3) environmental and operational impacts of AI–IoT adoption, and (4) institutional readiness and governance requirements, with cross-cutting readiness dynamics shaping all four dimensions. The findings indicate that AI–IoT systems can enable real-time monitoring, resource optimization, and pro-environmental behavioral nudges; however, the impact of these systems is constrained by limited technical literacy, fragmented coordination, outdated regulations, and low sustainability awareness. The study synthesizes these mechanisms into an integrated conceptual framework and a roadmap-oriented set of implications for accelerating sustainable digital transformation aligned with national agendas such as Kuwait Vision 2035. The study outcomes suggest that a national AI-IoT sustainability governance framework should be developed. There is a need for pilot projects at the sector level for environmental monitoring, the establishment of AI-IoT support centers within public institutions and universities, professional capacity-building programs, and targeted public awareness campaigns linking smart technologies to environmental responsibility.