[AISWorld] cfp: Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development? The Grand Challenge.

[Denis Dennehy]

cfp: Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development? The Grand Challenge.


In the midst of rapid technological evolution and complex global challenges, the Information Systems (IS) field is at a vital junction, as highlighted by the AIS Grand Vision Challenge and articulated by Isabel Ramos. This inflection point underscores the transformative potential of Information Technology (IT) and IS in reshaping our global society. The advancement of Emerging Technologies (ET) such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics brings unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges. These technologies are recognized for their ability to revolutionize productivity, societal equality, and environmental sustainability (Wamba et al., 2024; Ncube et al., 2023).



Aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs, there is an urgent need for IS research and practice to embrace inclusivity, sustainability, and equity. However, a discernible void exists in current research: a comprehensive analysis of how ET intersects with sustainable development is lacking (Corbett, 2023). This Special Issue aims to bridge this gap by enhancing our collective insight and catalyzing research into the nuanced interplay between ET and sustainable development. Addressing this is important, given the substantial yet largely uncharted impact ET could have on achieving all SDGs (Kotlarsky et al., 2023; Watson et al., 2020). This effort is fundamental in steering IS research towards leveraging AI and other ET to expand human and organizational capabilities in a manner that is responsible, inclusive, sustainable, and equitable (Harfouche et al., 2023; Tutun et al., 2022).



The IS literature on the topic of ET has burgeoned in the last decade, signaling a widespread acknowledgment of its importance. While the concept of ET is subject to a variety of interpretations, Rotolo et al. (2015) have identified key characteristics that generally encompass novelty, swift advancement, coherence across domains, recognizability, and inherent uncertainty. Emerging technologies extend beyond simple automation and data sourcing (Krasikov and Legner, 2023) introducing novel and considerable challenges that distinguish them from previous technological advances (Bailey et al. 2019), thereby presenting unique issues for the field of IS to address. The breadth of scholarly work reflects a diverse array of methodologies aimed at understanding and forecasting the trajectory of these technologies (Dennehy et al., 2021). However, this body of research often concentrates on specialized domains without addressing their impact across broader sub-fields. Some researchers point to attributes such as unpredictability, the network effect, societal and ethical implications, cost factors, geographical limitations, and research deficiencies as defining aspects of ET (Halaweh, 2013). Other researchers extend this definition to include specific fields like computing science, MEMS technology, biofuels, and mobile technology (Groen and Walsh, 2013).



“ET Sustainability”: From Potential to Action

This Special Issue advocates for a new “ET sustainability” paradigm, embracing technologies that serve environmental and social sustainability goals as posited by Gartner and the United Nations Environment Programme. However, despite emerging technologies' vast potential, the ET sustainability discourse within IS research lags practical developments (Corbett et al., 2023; Watson et al., 2021). This gap calls for IS scholars to engage in a more comprehensive exploration of how emerging technologies intersect with the broader sustainability objectives outlined by the SDGs.



AI & Augmented Intelligence as Catalysts for Sustainable Development

The dialogue surrounding Augmented Intelligence for Sustainable Development brings to light the symbiotic relationship between human insight and AI (Harfouche et al., 2023). This evolution advocates for AI as an augmentative tool to human intelligence, marking a transition towards utilizing AI to boost human capacity rather than replace it. This concept champions a collaborative model where decision-making harmoniously integrates the analytical power of AI and machine learning with human intuition (Yadav et al., 2023), leading to more nuanced and well-informed outcomes (Johnson et al., 2021).



The pursuit of Augmented Intelligence aims to amplify human decision-making capabilities, illustrating models where AI serves to enhance, not overshadow, human intellect. For example, the development of Human-Centric Informed AI highlights an interactive partnership between AI systems and their users, ensuring that AI-driven decisions are informed by a comprehensive dataset, while remaining accessible and decipherable to all stakeholders involved. Looking forward, the creation of Responsible AI frameworks might draw on interdisciplinary insights, integrating knowledge from psychology and social sciences to deploy AI systems that align more closely with human values and sustainable development needs. These frameworks should also consider how negative past experiences with AI could impact future projects, potentially initiating a cycle of implementation failures (Saba et al., 2024).



The classification of SDGs into the dimensions of Society, Economy, and Environment (Karnama et al., 2019) serves as a strategic approach to examine AI's broad implications. Integrating the SDGs into this discussion further emphasizes AI's multifaceted role. AI emerges as a pivotal force in driving progress across various SDGs, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency in resource utilization, and to catalyze the development of smart cities and circular economies (Fuso Nerini et al., 2018; International Energy Agency, 2017). This aligns with the broader objectives of fostering sustainable economic growth, reducing inequalities, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, AI's implications for high energy consumption and the risk of widening social and economic disparities present significant challenges. These concerns accentuate the imperative for adopting sustainable technology practices and ethical considerations in AI deployment, aiming to balance technological advancements with environmental stewardship and equitable social progress (Schoormann et al., 2023).



Shaping the Future of IS Research with ET Sustainability

As we advance this discourse, this Special Issue seeks contributions that examine the efficacy, ethics, and sustainability of deploying ET. We call for research that not only investigates the positive enablers but also addresses the adverse effects that may exacerbate disparities and challenge social cohesion. The need for tailored research methodologies and safety research to predict and mitigate potential risks is imperative for the responsible integration of these technologies into society (Kranz et al., 2022).

The convergence of ET with sustainable development presents both an opportunity and an obligation. This Special Issue aims to cultivate a science-informed, global dialogue to establish shared principles and guide policy formulation. We invite IS scholars to contribute their insights and research to foster a future where the equitable distribution of ET's benefits advances the collective well-being and sustainability of societies worldwide.



This special issue seeks submissions that critically examine how IS research can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future (Lakshmi and Corbett, 2023), through the lens of ET's impact on various sectors including healthcare, education, finance, commerce, governance, agriculture, and beyond. We invite scholarly contributions that delve into the nexus of ET and the SDGs, with a specific emphasis on unexplored territories within IS research. Hence, we invite submissions that address the following questions:



  1.  How can innovative IT solutions, leveraging ET such as AI, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics, contribute to poverty alleviation and promote inclusive growth in underserved communities?
  2.  How technological advancements hold promise for enhancing agricultural efficiency, improving food security, and fostering sustainable farming practices?
  3.  In what ways can ET transform healthcare delivery, promote well-being, and ensure equitable access to healthcare services?
  4.  How can digital initiatives equipped with ET empower individuals with job-ready digital skills, enhance education quality, and bridge the digital gender divide?
  5.  What strategies can be implemented using ET to promote sustainable energy solutions, ensure affordable and clean energy access, and drive economic growth?
  6.  How do ET stimulate job creation, foster economic growth, and promote decent work opportunities?
  7.  What approaches can be taken to enhance ET infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in developing regions, to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable development?
  8.  How can ET effectively manage e-waste, promote responsible consumption and production, and mitigate climate change impacts?
  9.  In what ways are ET utilized for monitoring and protecting marine environments, conserving biodiversity, and supporting wildlife conservation efforts?
  10. How effective are government-powered ET initiatives in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions through enhanced governance and citizen engagement?



These questions are not exhaustive but are intended to stimulate critical inquiry into the intersection of ET and sustainable development. They serve as a starting point for exploring the role of innovative IT solutions in driving positive change and advancing sustainable development agendas. We welcome submissions that address these questions and delve into various aspects of the integration of emerging technologies within the context of sustainable development, spanning from individual projects to broader societal impacts.



No methods or approaches are unwelcome, though we anticipate quantitative bibliometric research, case studies, design-oriented research, action research and qualitative research to be prominently included to explain patterns of influence and their impact. No philosophical position is privileged over others, though we lean toward pluralist pragmatist perspectives. While respecting the existing journal guidelines for papers, we particularly welcome short papers (around 8000 words) that concisely present a focused research problem. The papers should be open to a wide range of audiences. Findings do not have to be universal or generalizable, though showing how others can apply or extend them is encouraged. Issues and solutions from anywhere in the world are welcome in keeping with CAIS as a publication with global readership.



Submission Requirements

All manuscripts submitted to CAIS should be submitted in Microsoft Word format. Authors are encouraged to follow CAIS style guide (available on the CAIS website https://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/format.html) and use the CAIS author template for submissions of their manuscripts. Submissions must be made to the CAIS ScholarOne site (https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/cais). If you do not have an account already, you will need to create one. Once you have logged in, and you begin the submission process, you will have the opportunity to submit the manuscript to the special issue ("SS" designation).



Important Dates

Submission deadline: 30 January 2025
First round notification: 15 March 2025
Invited revisions deadline: 15 May 2025
Second/final editorial decision: 15 July 2025
Projected Publication: 15 November 2025

Guest Editors
Peter Saba, Léonard de Vinci Pôle Universitaire (Coordinating Editor)
Antoine Harfouche, University of Nanterre
Samuel Fosso Wamba, TBS Education
Sujeet Kumar Sharma, Indian Institute of Management Nagpur
Jocelyn Cranefield, Victoria University of Wellington