Call for papers: Transforming Finance and Governance: Knowledge, Innovation, and Sustainability

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.

Guest editors:

Dr Nawazish Mirza

elahimn@excelia-group.com

Excelia Business School, La Rochelle, France

Special issue information:

Background and Motivation of the Special Issue

Historically, financial markets have prioritized short-term profitability, often overlooking long-term social and environmental consequences (Elkington, 1999). However, mounting evidence indicates that sustainable investing and stronger governance practices can drive financial performance and broader value creation (Lins et al., 2017). Many organizations now recognize the urgency of integrating SDGs into their strategic agendas, focusing on issues such as climate action (SDG 13), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10), among others (Fallah Shayan et al., 2022). Simultaneously, ESG considerations have become integral to corporate disclosure requirements, emphasizing transparency, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation (Cai et al., 2022). Innovative digital technologies—such as blockchain, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence—create opportunities for new financial instruments (e.g., green bonds, carbon offsets) and governance models (e.g., decentralized autonomous organizations), helping entities meet ESG benchmarks and SDG targets more effectively (Umar et al., 2022; Kolk, 2021; UNEP FI, 2022). As the global community seeks mechanisms to address pressing challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality, integrating knowledge and innovation into financial and governance spheres is a critical priority (World Economic Forum, 2023).

The motivation for this Special Issue stems from the growing consensus that finance and governance systems must undergo transformative change to meet 21st-century challenges (Helfaya & Bui, 2025; United Nations, 2015). Scholars, practitioners, and policymakers are increasingly called upon to design innovative frameworks and methodologies that integrate SDG and ESG imperatives into financial decision-making, corporate reporting, and public policy. This evolution hinges on interdisciplinary collaborations that fuse technology, data science, organizational behavior, and policy studies (Fallah Shayan et al., 2022).

By providing a dedicated platform in the Journal of Innovation & Knowledge (JIK), we aim to foster research that advances finance and governance innovations, ultimately positioning sustainability at the forefront of global economic development. We hope that contributions to this Special Issue will serve as a blueprint for these transformative efforts.

Topics and Research Questions

We invite original research articles that provide novel insights and significant contributions at the nexus of finance, governance, knowledge, innovation, and sustainability. Possible topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• How learning systems support the integration of ESG and SDG targets in corporate strategy
• Developing and assessing green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and other impact-oriented instruments
• Financing models to accelerate progress on specific SDGs (e.g., social impact bonds for education, health, or clean water)
• The role of financial innovation in sustainable development
• Digital transformation in financial systems: AI, blockchain, and fintech applications
• Big data analytics and AI tools to measure and manage climate-related financial risks
• The role of AI and automation in financial risk management and governance
• Knowledge-based governance and policy frameworks for sustainability
• Green finance, ESG investing, and sustainable financial decision-making
• Empirical studies on the financial impacts of ESG-driven investment strategies
• Corporate governance reforms to enhance ESG performance and transparency
• Applications of blockchain in ESG data transparency and decentralized financing
• Role of fintech in widening access to finance for underserved communities, aligning with SDGs
• Strategies for institutionalizing sustainability knowledge and best practices within financial organizations
• Cross-sector knowledge-sharing platforms and networks for collaborative governance
• National and international regulations encouraging responsible finance and corporate accountability
• Role of central banks and financial regulators in promoting climate-resilient economic policies
• Comparative studies of policy interventions aimed at fostering sustainable financial markets (e.g., EU Green Deal, Asia-Pacific green finance frameworks)
• Community-based models for inclusive finance, co-governance, and socio-economic development
• Mechanisms for integrating citizen voices in financial and governance decision-making
• Integrating climate scenarios and stress-testing into enterprise risk management systems
• Corporate resilience frameworks addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and socio-environmental disruptions
• Insurance innovations and financial derivatives that hedge climate, social, and operational risks

Manuscript submission information:

The timeline of this special issue is as follows:

Submission open: May 1^st 2025

Submissions Deadline: April 30^th, 2026.

Papers can be submitted here: https://www.editorialmanager.com/jik/default2.aspx and by selecting the special issue " VSI: Finance-Governance Sustainability."

Before submitting a manuscript, please read carefully the Journal of Innovation & Knowledge Guide for authors. More information can be found at the following link:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-innovation-and-knowledge/publish/guide-for-authors

References:

Ahmad, N., Samad, S., & Han, H. (2024). Charting new terrains: How CSR initiatives shape employee creativity and contribute to UN-SDGs in a knowledge-driven world. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 9(4), 100557.

Cai, L., Cui, J., & Jo, H. (2016). Corporate environmental responsibility and firm risk. Journal of Business Ethics, 139, 563-594.

Delgado-Ceballos, J., Ortiz-De-Mandojana, N., Antolín-López, R., & Montiel, I. (2023). Connecting the Sustainable Development Goals to firm-level sustainability and ESG factors: The need for double materiality. BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 26(1), 2–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/23409444221140919

Elkington, J., & Rowlands, I. H. (1999). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st century business. Alternatives Journal, 25(4), 42.

Fallah Shayan, N., Mohabbati-Kalejahi, N., Alavi, S., & Zahed, M. A. (2022). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Sustainability, 14(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031222

Helfaya, A., & Bui, P. (2025). Pursuing a corporate sustainable identity: Green governance strategy, hybrid vehicle development, knowledge and sustainability performance. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(2), 100660.

Kolk, A. (2016). The social responsibility of international business: From ethics and the environment to CSR and sustainable development. Journal of world business, 51(1), 23-34.

Kwilinski, A., Lyulyov, O., & Pimonenko, T. (2025). The role of green finance in attaining environmental sustainability within a country's ESG performance. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(2), 100674.

Lins, K. V., Servaes, H., & Tamayo, A. (2017). Social Capital, Trust, and Firm Performance: The Value of Corporate Social Responsibility during the Financial Crisis. Journal of Finance, 72(4), 1785–1824.

Umar, M., Mirza, N., Rizvi, S. K. A., & Naqvi, B. (2022). ESG scores and target price accuracy: Evidence from sell-side recommendations in BRICS. International Review of Financial Analysis, 84.

UNEP FI. (2022). Principles for Responsible Banking: Guidance Document. United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative.

United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Wang, X., Song, F., & Yao, Y. (2023). Technology Innovations in Sustainable Finance: A Roadmap for ESG Integration. Finance Research Letters, 54, 104689.

World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Risks Report 2023.

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