Issue: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Applications in Research, Innovation, Science and Technology (RIST) to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a changing Industrial Landscape.


SCOPE

This special issue of "AI and ML Applications in RIST to attain SDGs in a changing industrial landscape" delves into the intricate relationship between AI as a catalyst, augmenting intelligence and as a problem solving approach while enhancing incorporation of AI, adoption of AI technologies, and the partnership nexus to deliver AI driven technologies and outcomes, massive data sets and improvement of products and processes, data siloes and disciplines, improving operational efficiency of complex scientific issues, emphasizing their pivotal role in advancing all aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The issue aims to showcase research and insights that illuminate how embracing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in higher education and industrial settings can effectively align with and contribute to each of the SDGs:

SDG 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well – Being For All at All Ages

By recognising the use of advanced AI techniques, there is an increase in research through bio – medical science in order to increase the pace of drug discovery through the identification of chemicals, molecules, and compounds that are best targeted to specific diseases and public health concerns.

SDG 8: Promote Sustained, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, Full and Productive Employment and Decent Work for All

This theme underscores AI augmentation in conjunction with targeted automation and intelligent devices which may improve the workplace environment, drive significant economic growth and increase productivity. AI applications may enhance faster processing of documentation in various industry for attainment of services (i.e. claims processing), reduction of monotonous human tasks in various industries (i.e. mining, manufacturing and agriculture).

SDG 9: Build Resilient Infrastructure, Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Foster Innovation

AI and ML have a strong impetus for innovation and technological progress to establish solutions to both economic and environmental challenges such as the increased resource and energy – efficiency needs. Global investment in Research and Development as proportions to Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) needs to be channelled towards the development of nations for communications infrastructure, as the global village is mostly online while mobile network coverage has an extended coverage. On the other hand there is still a need for resilient infrastructure and funding to bridge the gap for the rapid economic growth and development. Key elements are the Advanced Driver – Assistance Systems (ADAS) that have demonstrated the potential to improve motor vehicle safety and performance in transport.

SDG 11: Make Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable

AI plays a pivotal role in progress of the SDG 11 through new solutions that enhance the food, transport, water, health and energy services to the population. The advent of AI also enhances urban mobility and accessibility, while optimising routes, schedules and transportation modes in order to reduce congestion, improve air quality and enhance overall mobility. This implies prioritisation of cities, the well – being of residents and the creation of sustainable and inclusive communities.

SDG 13: Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts

This themes underscores that AI techniques are advancing weather prediction and are critical to the decarbonisation of the global energy system. Countries have developed mechanisms to articulate climate action plans in order to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This is with an aim of attaining the target of reducing global temperatures to below pre – industrial level periods.

SDG 15: Protect, Restore and Promote Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Sustainably Manage Forests, Combat Desertification, and Halt and Reverse Land Degradation and Halt Biodiversity Loss

AI can play a role in achieving SDG 15 and finding lasting solutions for targets set through the use of integrating variable renewables, enabling smart grids for meeting energy demand, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing technologies and software through the use and measurement of biodiversity loss, prevention of poaching and trafficking, and raising awareness on the importance of sustainable earth operations.

SDG 16: Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development, Provide Access to Justice for All and Build Effective, Accountable and Inclusive Institutions At All Levels

This theme underscores the application and use of machine learning techniques to address the tracking of progress on SDGs through bringing data together across the different indicators; and by measuring the impact of the different aspects of SDG 16 on other SDGs. As an illustration, AI techniques may allow financial services companies to better identify fraudulent or corrupt activities.

SDG 17: Strengthen the Means of Implementation and Revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

AI can play a role in enabling smart and low – carbon cities that are comprised of a variety of related technologies, such as autonomous electric vehicles and smart appliances, which can facilitate demand response in the energy sector.



TOPICS

Proposals for papers in the issue may include, but are not limited to, topics covering Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Pillars such as the following:

Infrastructure Development for capacitating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in STI
Papers that could explore the way international policies on the development of Science, Technology and Innovation meet the requirements for upgrading infrastructure to a world class status (science laboratories: - teaching, engineering and clinical trials; innovation hubs, teaching hospitals, living laboratories and ICT equipment), (SDG 9; SDG 11). Papers that also consider the synergies of the existing physical and digital infrastructure and resources that require leveraging and networking to increase utilization efficiency and reduce maintenance and operating costs through Shared Services (SDG 9; SDG 17). Papers that have a focus on engineering applications that may be used to develop and maintain scientific equipment that would allow the conduct of good science (SDG 9; SDG 15). Papers that investigate partnerships between scientists and engineers in order to provide solutions for producing scientific equipment, and research and inventive genius led products (SDG 17). Furthermore, papers that present on human capital bases, training, competency development, planning capabilities, organisation, leading and coordination of systems and resources for implementation (SDG 17).

Technical Competences for systematic approaches in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in STI
Papers that align with the full realisation of Science, Technology and Innovation to support sustainable socio – economic growth and development, and improving competitiveness in global research and innovation (SDG 8). Papers that have a focus on policy, systematic and coordinated approaches to human capital development and raising awareness of STI research and innovation for all levels of education including TVETs (SDG 17).

Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Multi – Disciplinary Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in STI
Papers that could explore a multi – disciplinary and multi – sectoral approach to Collaborative Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship for achieving the Knowledge Economy and sustainable socio – economic development (SDG 17). Papers that have a focus in increasing networking and collaboration between education and research, private and public sector stakeholders, facilitating co – creation, adaptation and commercialisation of research and innovation outputs (SDG 17). Research that focuses on taking a systematic approach to technology transfer and knowledge sharing, co – creation and adaptation of new products, services, processes, business models, policies, commercialization of research and innovation outputs (SDG 8; SDG 9; SDG 17).

Enabling Environments that advance Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in STI
Papers that can delve into AI and ML advancing an overall enabling environment for STI to achieve economic growth priorities (SDG 8; SDG 9; SDG 11; SDG 13). Furthermore, by addressing the creation of an environment and developing evidence based policies, programmes and coherent frameworks that encourage STI promotion, regulation and development (SDG 15; SDG 17).



Questions may be directed to the Special Volume Editor-in-Chief: info@uoj.unicaf.org



Deadline for paper submission: May 31st, 2024



For guidelines on submissions please visit Author Resources, UoJ Paper Template and Submissions.