Electronic Business and Sustainable Development

Dear Colleagues,

E-business has become a critical engine of economic growth in the modern digital era, allowing businesses to enhance efficiency, scale operations, and expand into new markets [1]. Importantly, the long-term success of e-business increasingly relies on its sustainable development, such as the continuous improvement of consumer loyalty and engagement, the enhancement of marketing efficiency, and the reduction in operational costs [2].

Notably, emerging technologies are playing an imperative role in facilitating the sustainable development of e-business [3]. IT innovations such as big data analytics and artificial intelligence enable e-business companies to identify customer needs, implement precision marketing, and enhance e-business customer stickiness [4]. The prevalence of virtual influencers broadens e-business marketing and financing channels and reduces labor costs [5]. Additionally, the Internet of Things and machine learning technology empower smart logistics systems, promoting efficient and smart logistics in e-business [6]. Thus, the application of novel technologies in e-business improves operational efficiency, reduces production costs, strengthens brand reputation, enhances consumer stickiness, increases sales, and promotes the sustainable development of e-business, ensuring its long-term success and alignment with broader sustainability goals [7].

This Special Issue calls for papers that discuss "E-Business and Sustainable Development". We seek contributions from researchers from different fields and specializations employing mixed methods and hybrid analytical approaches to provide more insights into this topic from multiple perspectives. Papers can be conceptual or empirical, quantitative or qualitative, or case studies. Papers selected for this Special Issue are subject to a rigorous peer-review procedure, with the aim of facilitating the rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications.

A list of some potential topics for this Special Issue is provided below:

• The sustainable development of e-business;
• Sustainable digital marketing;
• E-business and environmental responsibility;
• Sustainable supply chain;
• Green marketing/consumption in e-business;
• Green finance and smart logistics in e-business;
• Innovative and sustainable e-business models;
• Emerging digital technologies in e-business；
• AI-enabled e-business;
• Sustainable e-business

1. Jula, N.M.; Staicu, G.I.; Moraru, L.C.; Bodislav, D.A. Toward a Sustainable Development of E-Commerce in EU: The Role of Education, Internet Infrastructure, Income, and Economic Freedom on E-Commerce Growth. Sustainability 2024, 16.
2. Qiu, H.; Zhang, X.; Feng, M.; Zhang, Z.; Wang, J.; Wang, Z. Exploring the Income-Increasing Benefits of Rural E-Commerce in China: Implications for the Sustainable Development of Farmers. Sustainability 2024, 16.
3. Zhou, Y.; Liang, C.; Wong, K.-H. The Optimal Logistics Distribution Service Strategy of the E-commerce Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network under Blockchain Technology and the Government Blockchain Subsidy. Sustainability 2024, 16。
4. Thamik, H.; Wu, J. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Sustainable Development in Electronic Markets. Sustainability 2022, 14.
5. Shao Z. From human to virtual: Unmasking consumer switching intentions to virtual influencers by an integrated fsQCA and NCA method. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 2024, 78, 103715.
6. Singh J P, Irani S, Rana N P, et al. Predicting the “helpfulness” of online consumer reviews. Journal of Business Research 2017, 70, 346-355.
7. Theofanous, G.; Thrassou, A.; Uzunboylu, N. Digital Inclusivity: Advancing Accessible Tourism via Sustainable E-Commerce and Marketing Strategies. Sustainability 2024, 16.

Dr. Xiaoyu Xu
Dr. Laurence F. K. Chang
Prof. Dr. Chien-Wen Chen
Dr. Xiaocong Cui
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• sustainable development
• sustainable e-business
• sustainable marketing
• digital marketing
• green finance in e-business
• smart logistics in e-business