Introduction
The world economy is in the midst of a dramatic transformation, driven by rapid technological innovation and unprecedented geopolitical uncertainty. Trade disputes, regional conflicts, disruption to global supply chains, climate change, energy insecurity and post-pandemic economic recovery have profoundly transformed the ways in which governments, corporations and societies are seeking sustainable development. In this changing context, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and new technologies have become strategic tools to enhance economic resilience, raise productivity and support sustainable development goals (SDGs). Artificial intelligence has grown beyond the level of automation to become an enabling technology for decision-making, predictive analytics, resource optimisation and intelligent governance across a range of sectors. Governments are increasingly adopting AI to improve public services and policy effectiveness; corporations are leveraging AI-powered analytics to support operational resilience and supply chain management. Digital technologies like cloud computing, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics and generative AI are transforming sectors and generating new prospects for equitable economic growth. However, mere technology development will not guarantee sustainable development. Policymakers and businesses face major challenges, including the increasing fragmentation of global markets, the race for technology dominance between major economies, the risks of cyberattacks, the digital divide, and the ethical challenges of AI. Developing economies, in particular, face the dual challenge of accelerating the digital transformation while protecting social inclusion, environmental sustainability and long-term economic resilience. This book deals with the role of AI-enabled digital transformation in sustainable economic development in the circumstance of geopolitical uncertainty. The dynamic interaction among technological innovation, institutional governance, sustainability policies and organisational resilience is studied. Drawing from digital transformation, sustainable development, innovation management, and international political economy perspectives, this chapter constructs a comprehensive framework that explains how organisations and governments can leverage AI responsibly and adapt to an increasingly uncertain global environment. This chapter draws on recent international literature, policy papers and pragmatic case studies from rich and emerging nations to highlight some of the important potential, challenges and policy implications for achieving sustainable economic development through responsible technological innovation. The conversation is meant to provide practical guidance to academics, politicians, corporate executives and practitioners who are exploring how to reconcile economic competitiveness with sustainability objectives in a world of rapid technological development and geopolitical complexity. To extend the impact of the outstanding research presented at the conference INCOSEF2026, selected high-quality conference papers will be invited to develop substantially expanded chapters for publication in this edited volume, Social and Technological Development for Sustainable Economics Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty, published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. This post-conference book aims to showcase cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that advances theoretical understanding, empirical evidence, methodological innovation, and practical applications across the fields of sustainable economics, finance, technological innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, governance, entrepreneurship, and social development.
