Preface: International Scientific Conference on Digitalization, Innovations & Sustainable Development: Trends and Business Perspectives ^†

1. Introduction

Conference Introduction

It is with great pleasure that we present the proceedings of the International Scientific Conference on Digitalization, Innovations, and Sustainable Development: Trends and Business Perspectives, hosted by the College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait. This conference brought together experts from around the world to explore the latest advancements and challenges in digitalization, innovations, and sustainable development.

With the support of our international partners and esteemed keynote speakers, we engaged in fruitful discussions and workshops, delving into topics ranging from AI ethics to women entrepreneurship. The conference provided a platform for double-blinded, peer-reviewed extended abstracts presented in oral presentations and poster sessions, showcasing cutting-edge research and insights.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, reviewers, and organizers for their invaluable contributions to this event. It is our hope that the knowledge shared and connections made will fuel further advancements in these critical fields.

2. Committee Members

2.1. Conference Chairs

Prof. Isam Zabalawi, President of Australian University, Kuwait;

Prof. Grant Stanley, Vice-President Research of CQUniversity, Australia;

Dr. Jovan Zubovic, Director of Institute of Economic Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia.

2.2. Steering Committee

Dr. Farid Abdallah, Dean, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Vladimir Simovic, Chair of the Scientific Committee, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Prof. Alper Erturk, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Oualid Abidi, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Faidon Theofanidis, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Andri Ottesen, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Richard Nathan Rutter, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait.

2.3. Scientific Committee

Dr. Farid Abdallah, Dean, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Prof. Alper Erturk, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Faidon Theofanidis, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Richard Nathan Rutter, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Amlan Haque, CQUniversity, Australia;

Dr. Basel Dudin, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Bashayer Alkhalifah, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Bodour H. H. Alshakhss, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. En Li, CQUniversity, Australia;

Dr. Galina Williams, CQUniversity, Australia;

A/Prof. Huong Le, CQUniversity, Australia;

Dr. Imran Ali, CQUniversity, Australia;

Dr. Ivana Domazet, Institute of Economic Sciences, Serbia;

Dr. Janice Ban, CQUniversity, Australia;

Dr. Laila El Dabt, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Vladimir Simovic, Chair of the Scientific Committee, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Oualid Abidi, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Andri Ottesen, College of Business, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Lan Sun, CQUniversity, Australia;

Dr. Milena Lazic, Institute of Economic Sciences, Serbia;

Dr. Mirna Safi, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Muath Bassam AbdelQader, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Omar AlHussainan, Australian University, Kuwait;

Prof. Quamrul Alam, CQUniversity, Australia;

Prof. Stephen Colbran, CQUniversity, Australia;

Dr. Steven Telford, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Sumayya Banna, Arab Open University, Saudi Arabia;

Dr. Yamen Nissi, Australian University, Kuwait.

2.4. Organizing Committee

Ms. Rola Mourdaa, Australian University, Kuwait;

Ms. Ayah Waleed Barakat, Australian University, Kuwait;

Ms. Treva Al-Dhahi, Australian University, Kuwait;

Ms. Fatima AlLougman, Australian University, Kuwait;

Ms. Massouma Rahat, Australian University, Kuwait;

Dr. Laila El Dabt, Australian University, Kuwait;

Ms. Marcelle de la Roche, Australian University, Kuwait;

Ms. Hamsa Sarhan, Australian University, Kuwait;

Ms. Marija Antonijevic, Institute of Economic Sciences, Serbia.

3. Conference Topics

Digital Economy;

Digital Transformation driving Industry 4.0;

Digital Transformation in Marketing;

Digital Consumer and Transformation in Consumer Behavior;

Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation;

Digital Transformation in Financial Sector;

Digital Workforce and the Future of Work;

Digitalization in Education and Digital Competences;

Ethical Implications of Digitalization;

Emerging Technologies in Business;

Digital Citizenship;

Digital Needs;

Digital Divide;

Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation Age;

Social Media Analytics;

Phygital Customer Experience;

Environmental Innovation;

Digitalization in Health.

4. Partners

The International Scientific Conference on Digitalization, Innovations & Sustainable Development: Trends and Business Perspectives was supported by the following universities and organization (Figure 1):