Mapping of FinTech Ecosystem to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Saudi Arabia’s Landscape
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report (Previous Reviewer 3)
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe type of this article is a literature review. It aims to establish the connection between Fintech and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a literature review. However, there are several shortcomings that need to be addressed:
1. The literature review in Section 2 is confusing and disorganized. First, the structure is supposed to be as follows: “the first part relates to previous studies on Fintech and sustainable development goals, and the second part highlights an overview of the Fintech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.” Therefore, the literature review should be divided into two sections and explained according to this structure. However, the literature review is divided into three sections. It is evident that the author added Section 2.1 based on previous feedback but did not adjust the relevant content accordingly. Secondly, there is a significant amount of content between the headings “2. Literature Review” and “2.1. Overview of Fintech and sustainable development goals in developing countries (Africa, India, Indonesia, Jordan & Gulf Countries).” This content should be categorized into a new subsection. More importantly, the biggest flaw of the literature review is the lack of logical coherence.
2. The author concludes that “It was found that Fintech in Saudi Arabia is addressing SDG’s goals 1, 2, 5, 8 & 17” based on content analysis, linking Fintech to these five goals. A critical question here is how this conclusion was reached. Was it derived through keyword analysis of the literature? If a data analysis method was used, I believe it is necessary to include this process in the article, as it would add more significance to the research.
3. Table 2 is the most important and valuable part of this article. Through mapping, I understood how Fintech contributes to certain Sustainable Development Goals. However, this table spans five pages. It would be better if an image could be added to simply present the core content of the table.
Overall, the English expression in this paper needs further refinement and correction, which can be done by a professional. More importantly: 1. The literature review is disorganized. 2. The data analysis process needs to be supplemented. 3. An image describing Table 2 should be added. Although the Results and Discussions are valuable, the overall structure and logic of the article are currently weak and require careful revision.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageExtensive editing of English language required.
Author Response
Thank you very much for your positive insight. Please find below point by point response highlighted in yellow.
Thank you
Reviewer 1
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
The type of this article is a literature review. It aims to establish the connection between Fintech and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a literature review. However, there are several shortcomings that need to be addressed:
- The literature review in Section 2 is confusing and disorganized. First, the structure is supposed to be as follows: “the first part relates to previous studies on Fintech and sustainable development goals, and the second part highlights an overview of the Fintech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.” Therefore, the literature review should be divided into two sections and explained according to this structure. However, the literature review is divided into three sections. It is evident that the author added Section 2.1 based on previous feedback but did not adjust the relevant content accordingly. Secondly, there is a significant amount of content between the headings “2. Literature Review” and “2.1. Overview of Fintech and sustainable development goals in developing countries (Africa, India, Indonesia, Jordan & Gulf Countries).” This content should be categorized into a new subsection. More importantly, the biggest flaw of the literature review is the lack of logical coherence.
Response.
The literature review was organized in 2.1, 2.2 & 2.3 sections based on the reviewer’s comment received in the previous round.
- The author concludes that “It was found that Fintech in Saudi Arabia is addressing SDG’s goals 1, 2, 5, 8 & 17” based on content analysis, linking Fintech to these five goals. A critical question here is how this conclusion was reached. Was it derived through keyword analysis of the literature? If a data analysis method was used, I believe it is necessary to include this process in the article, as it would add more significance to the research.
Response
Methodology and conclusion is rewritten.
- Table 2 is the most important and valuable part of this article. Through mapping, I understood how Fintech contributes to certain Sustainable Development Goals. However, this table spans five pages. It would be better if an image could be added to simply present the core content of the table.
Response
Done.
Overall, the English expression in this paper needs further refinement and correction, which can be done by a professional. More importantly: 1. The literature review is disorganized. 2. The data analysis process needs to be supplemented. 3. An image describing Table 2 should be added. Although the Results and Discussions are valuable, the overall structure and logic of the article are currently weak and require careful revision.
Done
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report (New Reviewer)
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe research is interesting but has the following problems:
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Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you very much for your positive insight. Please find the attached point by point response as requested.
Thank you
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report (New Reviewer)
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear Author,
Congratulations on your chosen theme and the effort put into your work.
I hope that the suggestions outlined in the attached document prove to be valuable. I recommend considering a major revision of the article to address these points, as I believe doing so would improve the overall quality of your paper.
Kind regards,
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
The paper needs English proofreading, as some sentences are confusing and lack smooth flow.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you very much for your positive insight. Please find the attached point by point response highlighted in yellow.
Thank you
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report (Previous Reviewer 3)
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAfter three revisions, the author has made this article up to the acceptable standard. This article contributes to the application and development prospects of fintech in Saudi Arabia, especially Table3, which has certain academic value.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageModerate editing of English language required.
Author Response
Dear Respected Reviewer,
Thank you very much for your kind words of appreciation and valuable inputs. English language editing has been done as advised.
Thank you once again
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report (New Reviewer)
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsSection 2.2 should be placed in the Introduction section.
Author Response
Dear Respected Reviewer,
Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. Following is the response to you comments.
Section 2.2 should be placed in the Introduction section. It is added in introduction without heading see Page 81-96
English language is done by a professional.
Thank you so much.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report (New Reviewer)
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear Author,
Please double check Table 3 regarding SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals. The description you provided aligns with SDGs focused on economic growth, financial inclusion, industry. The mobilization of existing and additional financial resources for developing countries is not visible from the examples.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - SME Finance supports economic growth by enabling SMEs to access funding, helping them expand and create jobs. This goal also promotes financial inclusion and access to credit for businesses and individuals.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - By financing industries such as healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, and more, the program fosters innovation and industrial development. It supports infrastructure and sustainable industrialization, which is a core objective of this SDG.
King regards,
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageDear Author,
The use of acronyms (e.g., SDGs or MDG) throughout the text still needs improvement.
Lines 47-66 – Still needs improvement in English and accurateness.
King regards,
Author Response
Dear Respected Reviewer,
Thank you very much for your deep insights and valuable comments. Please find below the resposes to your comments.
1. Please double check Table 3 regarding SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals. The description you provided aligns with SDGs focused on economic growth, financial inclusion, industry. The mobilization of existing and additional financial resources for developing countries is not visible from the examples.
Response
Added an explanation how crowd funding is helping to financial resource mobilization please see SDG17 column 3 first paragraph, please see line 425-429 for resource mobilisation.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - SME Finance supports economic growth by enabling SMEs to access funding, helping them expand and create jobs. This goal also promotes financial inclusion and access to credit for businesses and individuals.
Response
Added a brief explanation in column 3 please see SDG 8, column 3 first paragraph
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - By financing industries such as healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, and more, the program fosters innovation and industrial development. It supports infrastructure and sustainable industrialization, which is a core objective of this SDG.
Response
SDG 9 is not the scope of paper. This can be explored in future research.
4. The use of acronyms (e.g., SDGs or MDG) throughout the text still needs improvement. Response
Improved and rewrite please see lines 51-55
5. Lines 47-66 – Still needs improvement in English and accurateness.
Response
Rewritten with more clarity please check lines 51-67.
English language was checked by a professional.
Thank you so much once again
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
This manuscript is a resubmission of an earlier submission. The following is a list of the peer review reports and author responses from that submission.
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors The main aims of this study are to investigate and summarize Fintech programs products and services in Saudi Arabia and maps the sustainable development goals (SDG) and indicators of the Fintech programs in Saudi Arabia.The topic is current and very relevant.
The paper is well structured but needs to be written more clearly.
The methodology is not very clear.
The results require discussion.
Errors to correct:
A reference is missing here: “There are seventeen sustainable goals presented at the conference of the united nations that are: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industries innovation, and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions and partnerships for the goals.”
Line 90 - “ecosystem. (Saba et al.2019).”
Line 166 - “ecosystem. (Saba et al.2019).”
Line 212 – “account(FSDP,2020).”
Figure 1 lacks the source of data
Table 2 needs better explanation and greater clarity. In reality, there is no discussion of results and indicators appear without any reference to them.
Author Response
Reviewer Report 1
The main aims of this study are to investigate and summarize Fintech programs products and services in Saudi Arabia and maps the sustainable development goals (SDG) and indicators of the Fintech programs in Saudi Arabia.
The topic is current and very relevant.
The paper is well structured but needs to be written more clearly.
Recent literature is added to give the depth in all sections including introduction, literature, and result discussions. First draft has 25 references which was updated to 46
The methodology is not very clear.
Methodology section is added Section 3, line 352-367
The results require discussion.
Discussion of result is added please check lines 381-447
Table 2 was added to support linkage line 375
Errors to correct:
A reference is missing here: “There are seventeen sustainable goals presented at the conference of the united nations that are: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industries innovation, and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions and partnerships for the goals.”
Done line 75
Line 90 - “ecosystem. (Saba et al.2019).” Corrected APA
Line 166 - “ecosystem. (Saba et al.2019).” Corrected APA
Line 212 – “account(FSDP,2020).” Done line 343
Figure 1 lacks the source of data Added source please check line 314
Table 2 needs better explanation and greater clarity. In reality, there is no discussion of results and indicators appear without any reference to them.
Discussion of results was added with references please check lines 381-447
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis paper aims to investigate the Fintech programs products and services in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of sustainable development goals (SDG).
I would like to make the following recommendations:
- This study lacks the research hypotheses.
- The title of Figure 1 should be more precise (including the time period / year): Figure 1. Investment in Fintech by Saudi government in 20.... (dollars).
- The structure of Section 2 should be revised. For example:
2.1. Overview of Fintech and sustainable development goals
2.2. An Overview of the Fintech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
2.3. ....................
- The section 4 lacks the discussions. The author should discuss the results and make comparisons with other countries from the Saudi Arabia region / world countries.
- Moreover, the author should outline the consistency of their own results with the one obtained by other studies.
- The author should underline the originality of the study.
- In the References section, the author should list the reports, institutional and government websites that were used for data collection (thirteen websites and seventeen published reports).
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing of English language required.
Author Response
This paper aims to investigate the Fintech programs products and services in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of sustainable development goals (SDG).
I would like to make the following recommendations:
- This study lacks the research hypotheses.
Research questions were added. Please check lines 112-116
- The title of Figure 1 should be more precise (including the time period / year): Figure 1. Investment in Fintech by Saudi government in 20.... (dollars). Done see figure 1
- The structure of Section 2 should be revised. For example:
2.1. Overview of Fintech and sustainable development goals
Added please see 2.1 Overview of Fintech and sustainable development goals in developing Countries Africa, India, Indonesia, Jordan & Gulf Countries) lines 229-300
2.2. An Overview of the Fintech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
Added section 2.2 An Overview of the Fintech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia lines 301-315
- The section 4 lacks the discussions. The author should discuss the results and make comparisons with other countries from the Saudi Arabia region / world countries.
Discussion of result is added please check lines 381-447
- Moreover, the author should outline the consistency of their own results with the one obtained by other studies.
Please check result and discussion lines 381-447
- The author should underline the originality of the study.
Please check lines 102-111 explaining contributions
- In the References section, the author should list the reports, institutional and government websites that were used for data collection (thirteen websites and seventeen published reports)
Done all references and updated.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis review focuses on Saudi Arabia as a research subject and discusses how to use financial technology to promote national sustainable development issues. It qualitatively demonstrates the connection between the two.
The Introduction explains what financial technology and sustainable development goals are. However, it does not specify the research question. The title mentions Saudi Arabia, but the author does not introduce the financial technology environment in Saudi Arabia in the introduction. The primary purpose of the introduction is to introduce the research question. Therefore, the author needs to add in the introduction: why choose Saudi Arabia as a case study, the essence of financial technology's contribution to sustainable development (basic logic), the research question of this paper, and a brief summary of the research conclusions.
The literature review section should be divided into two subsections, with 2.1 discussing the connection between financial technology and sustainable development goals, and 2.2 introducing the financial technology ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
The author employs a qualitative research method to discuss the connection between financial technology and sustainable development goals. I find this topic interesting, but this study has two significant issues. Firstly, from a global perspective, Saudi Arabia is not in a leading position in the application of financial technology. Focusing solely on Saudi Arabia as the research subject limits the generalizability of the study's conclusions. If the author intends to focus on how developing countries use financial technology to promote sustainable development goals, they can include the analysis of 2-3 other countries. Secondly, this paper only uses qualitative analysis. The author's argument would be more convincing if they could supplement it with some empirical data.
In summary, the author has raised an interesting question, but the depth of the research is insufficient, and the article needs further improvement and supplementation
Comments on the Quality of English Language
Minor editing of English language required
Author Response
The Introduction explains what financial technology and sustainable development goals are. However, it does not specify the research question.
Research questions added 102-111
The title mentions Saudi Arabia, but the author does not introduce the financial technology environment in Saudi Arabia in the introduction. The primary purpose of the introduction is to introduce the research question. Therefore, the author needs to add in the introduction: why choose Saudi Arabia as a case study, the essence of financial technology's contribution to sustainable development (basic logic), the research question of this paper, and a brief summary of the research conclusions.
Why Saudi Arabia and essenence of Fintach and SDGs please check introduction ans specifically Lines 93-101
The literature review section should be divided into two subsections, with 2.1 discussing the connection between financial technology and sustainable development goals, and 2.2 introducing the financial technology ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
Done Added please see 2.1 Overview of Fintech and sustainable development goals in developing Countries Africa, India, Indonesia, Jordan & Gulf Countries) lines 229-300
Done please check section 2.2
The author employs a qualitative research method to discuss the connection between financial technology and sustainable development goals. I find this topic interesting, but this study has two significant issues. Firstly, from a global perspective, Saudi Arabia is not in a leading position in the application of financial technology. Focusing solely on Saudi Arabia as the research subject limits the generalizability of the study's conclusions. If the author intends to focus on how developing countries use financial technology to promote sustainable development goals, they can include the analysis of 2-3 other countries.
Analysis of developing countries Africa, India, Indonesia, Jordan & Gulf Countries was added section 2.1
Secondly, this paper only uses qualitative analysis. The author's argument would be more convincing if they could supplement it with some empirical data.
Future recommendation was added in conclusion section to use empirical data.
In summary, the author has raised an interesting question, but the depth of the research is insufficient, and the article needs further improvement and supplementation
Thank you for appreciating the research idea. Depth of the research ahs been extended by adding recent literature review. Improving from 25 to 46 in reference list.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
