Al Hussein Award for Economic Research

Abdallah Al Droubi, a Jordanian PhD student at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), has been awarded the prestigious Al Hussein Prize for Economic Research in the category of Scientific Articles, focusing on the digital economy and financial technology. The award, granted by the Al Hussein Fund for Excellence in collaboration with the Central Bank of Jordan, includes an honorary shield, a certificate of recognition and a monetary prize of US$6,000 (around €5,200).

The awards, which cover key thematic areas such as monetary policy, the financial and banking sector, the green economy, the labour economy, the digital economy and financial technology, aim to support high-quality applied economic research to address priority issues in the Jordanian economy and strengthen the link between researchers and economic decision-makers in the Asian country.

'This award is a great honour and a tribute to my family, my supervisors and the universities that have supported and believed in my work'

Delighted with the recognition, Al Droubi, who already won the Award for Best Master's Thesis in Financial Technology from the Al Hussein Fund for Excellence in 2024, stated with satisfaction that this "is a great honour and a milestone in my academic career as a young economist, confirming that rigorous, policy-oriented research can truly contribute to national priorities and real economic challenges. For me, it is also a tribute to my family, my supervisors and the universities that have supported and believed in my work.

'Receiving this recognition from the Central Bank of Jordan and the Al Hussein Fund for Excellence reinforces my responsibility to serve society through research,' he added, 'and above all, it motivates me to continue producing impactful studies that benefit Jordan and the entire region.'

Practical recommendations to Jordanian politicians and institutions

Entitled 'Exploring the potential of blockchain technology to improve economic integrity and combat corruption: a strategic perspective for Jordan,' the study examines, in Al Droubi's own words, how blockchain technology 'can serve as a strategic tool to reduce corruption and strengthen economic integrity in Jordan, especially in sectors where transparency and accountability are critical.'

Using a quantitative approach based on structural equation modelling (SEM), the research analyses data from a survey of 364 professionals working in key areas such as public administration, finance, regulation and education. 'The results show that blockchain has a statistically significant expected impact on both improving economic integrity and fighting corruption, with a powerful effect on improving transparency, accountability and trust in financial and government systems,' explains the UPV student.

Likewise, 'the study offers practical recommendations to Jordanian policymakers and institutions on how to leverage blockchain in anti-corruption strategies and digital governance reforms, positioning blockchain as a promising pillar of Jordan's economic modernisation efforts,' he says.

'My training at the UPV has been essential in winning this award'

Particularly grateful to the UPV, Al Droubi emphasises that his training at the Universitat Politècnica de València "has been fundamental in achieving this award. The doctoral courses in research methodology, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and academic writing have considerably honed my skills as a researcher. The seminars, workshops and lectures organised by the university allowed me to learn about the latest debates in economics and management. I have also significantly benefited from the guidance of UPV professors, whose feedback has helped me refine my ideas and improve the quality of my work.

'The international and multidisciplinary environment at the UPV encouraged me to think more critically and innovatively about economic issues. In many ways, this award is also a reflection of the training, opportunities and support I have received at the UPV,' said Al Droubi.

'In the future, I hope to combine teaching, research and policy to create tangible benefits for society'

With a bachelor's and master's degree in Accounting from Al al-Bayt University in Jordan, where he graduated first and second, respectively, with an excellent academic record, Al Droubi has worked as a part-time lecturer at the same institution.

'My main research interests focus on financial technology, blockchain and distributed ledger applications in accounting, ERP systems and the digital transformation of the financial sector,' remarks Al Droubi, who is also preparing 'several books on research methods, artificial intelligence and blockchain in accounting, and accounting education in general'.

'In the future,' he says, "I aspire to continue my career as a university lecturer and researcher, contributing to high-impact studies in economics, digital transformation and public policy. I am especially interested in producing research that supports evidence-based decision-making in Jordan and throughout the Arab region. I also hope to strengthen international collaboration between the UPV and universities in my home region. Ultimately, my goal is to combine teaching, research and political engagement to create tangible benefits for society."

Acknowledgements

Before concluding, Al Droubi did not want to miss the opportunity to thank all those who helped him achieve the award: "First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me the strength, patience and opportunities that made this achievement possible.

I am also deeply grateful to my mother and siblings for their unconditional support, prayers and encouragement throughout my academic career. In addition, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the administrative and academic staff at the UPV, whose efforts and services create an excellent environment for research and learning.

I am especially grateful to my supervisors, Dr Sofía Estellés Miguel and Dr Marta Peris Ortiz, for their guidance, trust and continuous mentoring. Finally, I am thrilled to be studying in Spain, a country with a rich cultural and scientific heritage and very friendly and welcoming people," he concluded.