Given the unclear impact of technologies on auditing and calls for further research, this thesis examines and enhances understanding of their impact on external auditing and factors slowing their adoption. It addresses three research questions on the potential of emerging technologies (Studies I and II), less advanced technologies (Studies III and IV), and barriers to adopting emerging technologies in audits (Study V). The thesis employs a systematic literature review, a conceptual approach using design science, and surveys analysed with quantitative and mixed-method techniques. Findings reveal that emerging technologies enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness while narrowing the expectation gap. They will shape future audits by influencing perceptions, auditor-client relationships, regulatory frameworks, audit structures, procedures, professional profiles, innovation, and audit quality. Less advanced technologies partly improve audit efficiency and effectiveness while facilitating dynamic capabilities during turbulent times by aiding audit evidence collection and client communication. However, their effectiveness is limited by challenges in complex audit tasks, reliability, and internal controls. Despite their potential, emerging technologies face slow adoption, mainly due to a lack of regulatory standards. This thesis identifies key internal drivers (e.g., social influence from colleagues and management, auditors’ competence, and organisational support), external drivers (e.g., proactive audit standards, guidance, and social influence from societal norms and industry experts), and other factors (e.g., switching costs, satisfaction with the status quo, and perceived value) that influence emerging technology adoption. Overall, this thesis contributes to understanding how technologies enhance audit evidence collection and processes while identifying adoption barriers crucial for the audit industry in navigating the evolving audit environment.

Technology is transforming audits, but its impact remains unclear. This thesis examines and enhances understanding of technologies in external auditing and the factors slowing their adoption. It adopts multiple research methods, operationalised across five studies. Findings show that emerging technologies enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness while reducing the expectation gap. They will also shape future audits by influencing perceptions, auditor-client relationships, regulatory frameworks, audit structures, procedures, professional profiles, innovation, and audit quality. Less advanced technologies provide benefits such as cost and time savings, flexibility, and multitasking, partially improving audit efficiency and effectiveness. They also facilitate the realisation of dynamic capabilities during turbulent times by supporting audit evidence collection and client communication. However, they struggle with complex audit procedures, reliability, and internal controls. Despite their potential, emerging technologies face slow adoption, primarily due to the deficiency of standards. This thesis identifies key drivers of adoption, categorised as internal, external, and other factors, crucial for the audit industry to navigate the evolving audit landscape.