Integrating AI in ESG Frameworks: Pioneering Knowledge Economy Transformations

Introduction 

The development of the so-called “Knowledge economy” has shown how knowledge has been considered a fundamental production element to achieve a high level of added value both for organizations and nations. Interestingly, while information and communication technology have always been considered a facilitator for the knowledge-creation process, recently, a new wave of studies has arisen (De Bem Machado et al., 2022). Over the past years, the convergence of decision-making, technology, and knowledge management has given rise to a new paradigm in which AI emerges as a transformative force, fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is curated, processed, and utilized within traditional management processes and strategies (Liebowitz, 2001).

AI's integration offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance decision-making (Oppioli et al., 2023), boost service delivery, innovate in product development, and change supply chain practices (Min, 2009), all while aligning with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. By leveraging AI, businesses can transform their knowledge repositories into dynamic assets, improving their business models (Bagnoli et al., 2019) and innovative problem-solving (Joksimovic et al., 2023). This goes beyond operational efficiency; it involves innovating on value creation, risk assessment, and long-term planning through sophisticated analysis and utilisation of knowledge resources. 

However, integrating AI into strategic management and knowledge systems recalls critical issues and considerations. These include addressing the balance between technology and human insight (Yousuf Al-Aama, 2014; Jarrahi, 2018), ensuring the ethical use of data (Munoko, 2020), and understanding the implications of AI on organisational knowledge and culture (Loureiro et al., 2021). AI's impact on knowledge management extends to employee skills development, as businesses must navigate the balance between the possible substitution or complementarity of human work with AI, necessitating a focus on strategic re-skilling and knowledge sharing (Secinaro et al., 2023). 

Given the ongoing and evolving debate surrounding AI, it’s necessary to shed light on how AI can enhance ESG practices effectively and ethically, particularly through the lens of knowledge management and information systems. This requires a multidisciplinary approach considering technological capabilities, strategic alignment, ethical frameworks, and the global impact of AI-driven strategies on knowledge creation and dissemination (Gabriel, 2020). This special issue aims to foster a deeper understanding and critical discussion of the transformative potential of AI in driving responsible and sustainable business strategies through advanced knowledge management and information systems.  

We invite rigorous theoretical and empirical research, case studies, and reflective practice that address AI's multifaceted challenges and opportunities in strategic management, ESG development, and knowledge management. The special issue aspires to contribute to a more nuanced and informed discourse on leveraging AI for a more sustainable, knowledgeable, and equitable future through this comprehensive examination.

List of topic areas

We invite rigorous theoretical and empirical research, case studies, and reflective practice that address AI's multifaceted challenges and opportunities in strategic management, ESG development, and knowledge management. The special issue aspires to contribute to a more nuanced and informed discourse on leveraging AI for a more sustainable, knowledgeable, and equitable future through this comprehensive examination.

This special issue welcomes theoretical and empirical research articles on the following (and not limited) topics:

• AI and new sustainable business models
• AI and value creation
• AI and strategic leadership for sustainable development
• AI and integration of ESG goals
• New AI-based products and services
• AI and new ways of managing decision-making processes
• AI and resource consumption
• Knowledge tools for improving management decisions with AI
• AI and future skills for students
• AI for boosting knowledge management in diversity and inclusion
• AI systems within organisations
• Risks and regulations of AI in ESG contexts
• Human-machines interaction and knowledge management
• AI and operative resources in the production processes
• The dark side of AI in managing decision-making processes
• AI and ethical concerns in strategic processes

Guest Editors

Davide Calandra, University of Turin, Italy, [email protected]

Maurizio Massaro, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy, [email protected] 

Federico Lanzalonga, University of Turin, Italy, [email protected]

Vahid Jafari-Sadeghi, Aston Business School, UK, [email protected]

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available on the Journals ScholarOne Page, please click here for access. Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see here for Author guidelines of “VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems ”.

To submit your Manuscript click here!

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to ““Please select the issue you are submitting to”.

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Key Deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 2nd of September 2024
Closing date for manuscripts submission: 7th of April 2025