In a world increasingly driven by digital transformation, emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the metaverse hold great promise for economic and social progress. However, their widespread adoption is influenced by various factors that can either hinder or facilitate this process. This study aims to investigate the key factors affecting the adoption of next-generation digital technologies and determine whether these factors act as barriers or opportunities. By integrating diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory and institutional theory, we develop a new analytical framework to examine these influences. Utilising a two-factor fixed effects model, we analyse panel data from 116 countries from 2019 to 2022. Our analysis identifies key barriers, such as privacy concerns, illiteracy, and limited economic accessibility, and highlights opportunities provided by supportive regulatory environments and proactive government initiatives. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the conditions necessary for the successful adoption of digital technologies, offering actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to foster a conducive environment for technological advancement.

中文翻译：

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克服障碍并抓住机遇，以创新方式采用下一代数字技术


在一个日益受数字化转型驱动的世界中，区块链、人工智能和元宇宙等新兴技术为经济和社会进步带来了巨大的前景。然而，它们的广泛采用受到各种因素的影响，这些因素可能会阻碍或促进这一过程。本研究旨在调查影响采用下一代数字技术的关键因素，并确定这些因素是障碍还是机遇。通过整合创新扩散 （DOI） 理论和制度理论，我们开发了一个新的分析框架来研究这些影响。利用双因素固定效应模型，我们分析了 2019 年至 2022 年 116 个国家/地区的面板数据。我们的分析确定了关键障碍，例如隐私问题、文盲和有限的经济可及性，并强调了支持性监管环境和积极主动的政府举措提供的机会。这些发现提供了对成功采用数字技术所需条件的细致入微的理解，为旨在为技术进步营造有利环境的政策制定者和利益相关者提供了可操作的见解。