bKash and UIU to research the impact and adoption of digital transactions
bKash and the Institute for Advanced Research (IAR) of United International University (UIU) have taken a joint initiative to research how accustomed people in the country have become to digital transactions and their socio-economic impact.
The two institutions shared the information in a press release on Monday.
Titled 'Exploring Digital Transaction Adaptation in Bangladesh: Drivers, Social Outcomes, and Policy Implications', the research will mainly analyse the role of digital transactions and mobile financial services (MFS) in improving people's standard of living, empowering women and increasing financial capability.
An agreement on the research was signed recently on the UIU campus. Present at the ceremony were UIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abul Kashem Mia, Professor Emeritus of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) Department and Executive Director of IAR Dr M Rizwan Khan, bKash Chief Legal Officer M Mazedul Islam, and Shahriar Mahmud, EVP and Head of Employer Branding and Recruitment, along with senior officials of both institutions.
The press release said that with the passage of time, people have now become quite accustomed to digital transactions. The continuous innovation of MFS providers and banks, initiatives to raise digital literacy, a broad financial ecosystem and the support of regulators have expanded digital transactions in the country, bringing major changes in how people use and conduct financial transactions.
The research will present, on the basis of data, how customers have adapted to this digital transformation, how much trust they place in it, and what kinds of challenges they face in practical use.
Alongside analysing the main factors influencing people's decisions behind the adoption and spread of digital transactions in the country, the research will also review the role of financial service providers and government support in expanding the reach of transactions.
The research team will not only identify the key reasons behind adoption, but will also explore the overall impact of digital transactions on social life. It will also analyse how trust and prevailing social perceptions influence digital literacy and digital transactions.
The findings of this research will help financial service providers, researchers and policymakers with important ideas and future direction for building an inclusive and sustainable digital financial ecosystem in the country.
