Financial Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development

This Special Issue on “Financial Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development” includes a diverse collection of research papers that explore the evolving landscape of financial technologies (FinTech) and their implications for sustainable development. This editorial highlights the significant contributions made by the published papers, underscoring their relevance to ongoing discussions in global finance, technology, and innovation. This Special Issue contains 10 papers, which were each accepted for publication after a rigorous review process.

In Contribution 1, the authors, Albuquerque and Dos Santos, provide a literature review on recent trends in accounting and information systems using textual analysis tools. Their research identifies emerging topics in accounting, such as sustainability and new methods in auditing, offering a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape and suggesting avenues for future research.

In Contribution 2, the authors, Zhu and Sun, investigate the impact of corporate financialization on technological innovation in China’s A-share-listed companies. This study concludes that financialization tends to inhibit technological innovation, particularly in non-state-owned enterprises and those in eastern China. It also emphasizes the role of financing constraints in this dynamic, offering policy suggestions to mitigate the negative effects of financialization.

In Contribution 3, the authors, Almeida et al., analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cryptocurrency markets, revealing increased market integration and contagion across short timescales. Their research demonstrates that cryptocurrencies did not offer protection against financial turbulence during the pandemic, providing a pertinent example of how correlations breakdown in times of crisis.

In Contribution 4, the author, Cuc S., explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology (BT) in the textile and fashion industries. This study identifies blockchain’s ability to enhance transparency, traceability, and sustainability in the supply chain. Through case studies, this research underscores the increasing adoption of BT and its potential to revolutionize the industry, offering critical insights into its applications and challenges.

In Contribution 5, the author, Kherbachi S., investigates the impact of digital technology satisfaction on job satisfaction within the field of FinTech in Africa. This study highlights the importance of aligning technology with task requirements to enhance productivity and job satisfaction. The findings enhance our understanding of factors that drive the digital economy, particularly in the context of healthcare services in Africa, offering insights for optimizing digital transformation strategies.

In Contribution 6, the authors, Koelmel et al., provide a comprehensive life cycle cost analysis of NB-IoT and LoRaWAN technologies, which are pivotal for IoT applications. This study presents a pragmatic approach to evaluating the economic and financial viability of these technologies, offering a methodology that can be applied to other IoT technologies. This work is essential for decision makers considering technology adoption in the IoT.

In Contribution 7, the authors, Dissanayake et al., present a bibliometric analysis of the FinTech research landscape, identifying key trends, contributors, and emerging themes. This study serves as a roadmap for researchers and industry professionals, highlighting the intellectual structure of FinTech research and offering guidance for future studies and innovations.

In Contribution 8, the authors, Burciu et al., explore the role of disruptive technologies in financial innovation strategies within multinational corporations. The study cross-examines innovative capacities at the firm and country levels, identifying digital technologies, managerial decisions, and market forces as key drivers. This research offers valuable theoretical and practical insights by proposing principles for continuous financial innovation in the FinTech revolution.

In Contribution 9, the authors, Mohammed, De-Pablos-Heredero, and Montes Botella, examine the impact of financial access, stability, and sanctions on the adoption of CBDCs across 71 countries. Their findings reveal that nations with financial sanctions or substantial offshore loans are more likely to adopt CBDCs, particularly in regions with limited financial access. This research provides critical insights into how national financial conditions influence CBDC adoption, contributing to the broader discourse on the future of global finance.

In Contribution 10, the authors, Manta and Palazzo, explore the concept of time banking as an innovative financial instrument that promotes community collaboration and equitable wealth distribution. Their research highlights the potential of time banks to reduce the dependence on traditional currency and foster financial inclusion, particularly in an increasingly digital financial landscape.

Collectively, these papers provide valuable contributions to the understanding of how financial technology and innovation can drive sustainable development. They offer theoretical insights, practical methodologies, and policy recommendations that could influence future research, industry practices, and global financial strategies. This Special Issue underscores the critical role of FinTech in shaping the future of global finance and sustainable development.