Exploring Digital Transformation and Sustainability

Dear Colleagues,

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming every aspect of our societies through the convergence of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, data analytics and human–machine collaboration. These technologies are driving innovation, economic diversification and sustainable development across sectors, while also reshaping the nature of work, education and governance.

However, the benefits of digital transformation are not evenly distributed. The challenge lies in ensuring that the digital economy contributes to sustainability, inclusiveness and resilience—rather than widening inequalities or increasing environmental burdens. Achieving this balance requires interdisciplinary research and cooperation among academia, industry and policymakers.

This Topic aims to bring together research that explores the intersection of digital transformation and sustainability, highlighting how technological innovation can advance sustainable development goals while enhancing productivity, social equity and environmental responsibility.

We welcome contributions addressing diverse dimensions of the digital transition, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence-driven business innovation, smart and sustainable manufacturing, green digital infrastructures, digital economies in emerging regions, ethics and governance of Artificial Intelligence, sustainable education models and data-driven decision-making for resilient societies.

The Topic is organized in connection with AU–ICDSA 2026: Exploring Digital Transformation and Sustainability, an international conference organized by the Australian University, Kuwait, in collaboration with the Centre for Business Analytics at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom and the International Center of Industrial Transformation, Singapore. The event provides a vital platform for sharing cutting-edge research, practical insights and policy frameworks toward building resilient, Artificial Intelligence-enabled futures.

We invite scholars, practitioners and policymakers to submit original research articles, empirical studies, theoretical frameworks and case studies that contribute to understanding the transformative impact of digital technologies on sustainability and development.

Subtopics

• Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Digital Economies in the MENA Region

Exploring regional pathways for adopting Artificial Intelligence and robotics to enhance productivity, sustainability and inclusive growth.

• Business Innovation and Performance through Artificial Intelligence-Driven Transformation

Investigating how data analytics, automation and digital platforms improve business efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability outcomes.

• AI and Sustainability in Higher Education

Examining Artificial Intelligence’s role in sustainable teaching models, lifelong learning and skills development for the digital workforce.

• Economic Diversification and Smart Manufacturing

Analyzing Industry 4.0 technologies, intelligent production systems and circular economy approaches in manufacturing and industry.

• STEAM Education and Youth Employment in the Artificial Intelligence Era

Researching the role of digital skills, entrepreneurship and inclusive education in preparing youth for future labor markets.

• AI-Powered Smart Cities and Urban Resilience

Addressing sustainable urban development, mobility, digital governance and citizen engagement through smart technologies.

• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Knowledge Economies and Entrepreneurship

Investigating innovation ecosystems, digital startups and knowledge transfer in AI-enabled economies.

• Digital Platforms, Data Governance and Ethical Artificial Intelligence

Exploring transparency, fairness and accountability in Artificial Intelligence systems and the governance of data in the digital era.

• Sustainable Digital Infrastructures and Cybersecurity

Studying the environmental and security implications of large-scale digital infrastructures and cloud computing.

• Human-Centric Design and Human–Machine Collaboration

Understanding the social, cognitive and ethical dimensions of collaboration between humans and intelligent systems.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Platforms.

Prof. Dr. Adel Ben Youssef
Prof. Dr. Alper Ertürk
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Sedaghat
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.