Call for papers

In this Special Issue, we consider sustainable innovation ecosystems as complex adaptive systems, in which many autonomous and heterogeneous actors leverage their resources and capabilities and create new ones, by interacting with each other at multiple levels, to allow innovative solutions to new problems to emerge, in a very short time.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of disruptive technologies, driving transformative changes across the business world (Almansour, 2023). Sachs (2023) highlights a significant surge in market interest in AI, noting that investments could reach $100 billion in the United States and $200 billion globally by the end of 2025. As firms increasingly invest in AI-based technologies, recent studies further confirm AI’s positive influence on innovation management. Wael AL-Khatib (2023) and Khan et al. (2024) affirm that AI based tools has a positive influence on both exploitable and exploratory innovation. Indeed, the capacity of AI to quickly create new content is completely in line with the concept of exploratory innovation, which focuses on experimenting with new ideas, technologies, and markets to create disruptive advancements. On the other side, its ability to analyze data patterns and generate tailored solutions can support exploitable innovation, which emphasizes refining and optimizing existing processes, products, or services to maximize efficiency and profitability (Jansen et al., 2006). Furthermore, Xu et al. (2024) identify the quality of AI-generated content as a key factor in stimulating enterprise innovation behavior.

This special issue seeks to generate novel insights that deepen scholarly understanding while informing practical policy and strategy across diverse economic, social, and geographic contexts.

This special issue is intended to stimulate scholarly debate and empirical inquiry into how innovation mechanisms and knowledge management can drive sustainable development through digitalisation.

The research topic proposed in the special issue allows advancing knowledge regarding the interrelationship between Circular Economy (CE) and Open Innovation (OI), aiming to promote the green transition. The environmental emergency requires the transition to new models of sustainable development. Consequently, governments worldwide are taking action to develop green policies (i.e., The European Green Deal, the United Nations 2030 Agenda, etc.). Specifically, the UN organization has compiled a list of 17 Sustainable Development Goals, among which can be found to ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns. Underlying this goal is the concept of the CE, which is considered the economic approach to be embraced to reduce the pressure on natural systems.

For this reason, implementing CE principles supports the green transition. This subject particularly appeals to governments, practitioners, and academics, justifying an in-depth study of how organizations can effectively implement CE principles to accomplish a green transition. In this context, OI represents a viable approach to foster and speed up the implementation of circular initiatives. Specifically, the literature (elucidated in the following paragraphs) highlights how the ecosystem approach enabled by OI facilitates this process, thus deserving attention. For the reasons stated here and for relevance to the journal’s scope, the research topic related to the transition from Linear to CE through OI deserves an entire issue.

The Special Issue accepts research on infusion of digital technologies in Circular Economy Model with the concept of psychological distance and significance of social entrepreneurship.

Global financial and governance systems are increasingly critical in achieving sustainable development. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight the interconnectedness of economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship, urging institutions and decision-makers to align their practices with broader societal objectives (United Nations, 2015; Ahmad et al., 2024). In parallel, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks have gained traction among investors, businesses, and policymakers, recognizing that non-financial factors significantly influence long-term financial performance and social welfare (Kwilinski et al., 2025; Cai et al., 2022). This evolution underscores the importance of knowledge-sharing, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration in reimagining finance and governance for more equitable and sustainable outcomes (UNEP FI, 2022). Integrating SDGs and ESG objectives into financial decision-making, risk management, and regulatory frameworks can support resilient business models while fostering broader societal benefits (Delgado-Ceballos et al., 2023). This special issue explores how forward-thinking strategies and practices can transform traditional finance and governance, supporting the global transition toward sustainable and inclusive development.