MANAGING ENTREPRENEURSHIP DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CRISIS IN THE STATE OF KUWAIT: THE RELEVANCE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

The primary purpose of this study is to highlight the relevance of technology and innovation in managing entrepreneurship in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic while also identifying the implications of said public health crisis on the country's business sector. In order to fulfil the study's objectives, a systematic literature review was performed using journal articles related to the trend and impacts of coronavirus outbreak to entrepreneurs and their businesses from various online databases Findings from the study indicated that several entrepreneurs in Kuwait have suspended and closed their business due to decline of revenues, delays in supply chains, and disruptions of production and economic activities. It was noted that Kuwaiti entrepreneurs increased the use of innovation and technologies by adopting digital solutions such as cloud-based platforms to facilitate their operations. Furthermore, findings reveal that entrepreneurial resilience, aside from innovative and technological approaches, is critical in effectively managing and sustaining business operations during the pandemic. The findings presented can be used in developing effective initiatives and strategies for entrepreneurs to overcome the negative implications of COVID-19 on their businesses, not just in Kuwait but also in other affected countries. Most of the existing studies about COVID-19 focus on the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis and symptoms of the virus while there is limited research on its impacts on entrepreneurship. This study thereby helps fill in the gaps on the effects of COVID-19 on entrepreneurship and on the ways that these impacts can be managed by businesses in Kuwait.