CALL FOR PAPERS: Conference on Digital Transformation for Social Impacts and ESG Performance

In today’s rapidly changing world, digital transformation plays a critical role in enhancing social impact and enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. Organizations are increasingly using innovative technologies, like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to drive sustainable practices and address pressing social challenges. By utilizing data-driven insights, businesses can optimize their operations, reduce their carbon footprint, and promote ethical labor practices throughout their supply chains.

Furthermore, digital tools enable companies to engage more actively with their communities, allowing for tailored initiatives that address specific social issues. Ultimately, a strategic focus on digital transformation can lead to enhanced ESG performance, attracting socially conscious investors and improving overall corporate reputation.

In this global momentum toward ESG practices and technology development, there is a growing awareness of the necessity for countries and organizations to develop specific strategies to address pressing sustainability challenges. However, a gap remains in understanding ESG implementation in regions with distinct resource and technological constraints. This conference seeks to bridge that gap by emphasizing innovative ESG solutions, particularly for emerging countries.

Foreign Trade University (FTU) and Social Business Creation (SBC) are pleased to announce the Conference on Digital Transformation for Social Impacts and ESG Performance, to be held on July 31 - August 1, 2025, in Hanoi, Vietnam. This interdisciplinary academic conference seeks to promote research and foster dialogue regarding the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) challenges and opportunities arising from the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with a focus on actionable insights for fostering sustainable development.

The conference will feature keynote addresses by renowned experts in ESG and sustainable business, as well as workshops on refining research for publication in high-impact journals.

Organizing Committee

1. Bui Anh Tuan, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

2. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

3. Pham Thu Huong, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

4. Dao Ngoc Tien, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

5. Vu Thi Hien, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

6. Tu Thuy Anh, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

7. Mai Thai, HEC Montréal, Canada

8. Vu Hoang Nam, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

9. Cao Dinh Kien, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

10. Nguyen Huyen Minh, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

11. Le Thi Thu Ha, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

12. Chu Thi Mai Phuong, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

Scientific Committee

1. Tu Thuy Anh, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

2. Vu Hoang Nam, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

3. Mai Thai, HEC Montréal, Canada

4. Léo-Paul Dana, Montpellier Business School, France

5. Norris Krueger, Entrepreneurship Northwest, USA

6. Arman Sadreddin, Concordia University, Canada

7. Suchit Ahuja, Concordia University, Canada

8. Hamid Nach, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada

9. Nguyen Viet Cuong, Vietnam National University, Vietnam

10. Le Thai Ha, VinFuture Foundation, Vietnam

11. Le Thi Thu Ha, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

12. Chu Thi Mai Phuong, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam

Publication Opportunities

Selected high-quality papers will be considered for publication in:

• Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (Scopus Q1) – Special Issue on “Digital Entrepreneurship for Social Impact” (Link).

• Journal of International Economics and Management (ACI) – Special Issue on “Digital Transformation, ESG Practices, and Economic Development in Emerging Markets” (Link to be available soon)

• An edited volume titled Digital Transformation for Social Impacts and ESG Performance, to be published by Springer Nature.

Key Topics

Submissions for the Conference may address, but are not limited to:

1. 1. Circular economy practices in emerging markets
   2. Assessing the scalability of circular economy models in industries such as textiles, agriculture, and construction.
   3. Social entrepreneurship and ESG integration
   4. Examining how corporate leadership drives ESG adoption and performance in emerging market firms.
   5. ESG-driven innovation in emerging markets
   6. How ESG initiatives inspire technological and business model innovations in emerging markets.
   7. AI and blockchain in ESG implementation
   8. Examining the potential of AI and blockchain technologies to enhance ESG compliance and reporting in emerging markets.
   9. The role of ESG in bridging the digital divide
   10. Investigating how ESG principles guide corporate efforts to reduce digital inequities
   11. Innovative business models integrating ESG principles.
   12. The role of digital technology in enhancing ESG outcomes.

Keynote Speakers

Submission Guidelines

Authors are invited to submit original research papers that have not been previously published. Extended abstracts ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 words with a maximum of 5 keywords should clearly address the following aspects of the study:

1. A clear problem statement;

2. An outlined theoretical framework;

3. A description of the methodology employed;

4. A comprehensive overview of the key findings;

5. An assessment of originality, highlighting contributions to the literature or practical applications.

Submissions should be prepared using Microsoft Office, following these specifications:

1. 12-point Times New Roman font

2. Single spacing

3. Adhere to APA formatting

All submissions are required to include the following information on a separate title page:

1. Author(s)’ name(s) in intended order of authorship

2. Author(s)’ position(s)

3. Author(s)’ affiliation(s)

4. Corresponding author’s contacts (email address, telephone number)

5. Number of words

Submissions must be made via the conference portal at: https://jiem.ftu.edu.vn/index.php/jiem/submission/wizard

Important Dates

• • Abstract Submission Deadline: May 15, 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance: May 30, 2025
  • Full Paper Submission Deadline*: June 15, 2025
  • Conference Dates: July 31 – August 1, 2025
  • Early bird registration: May 30, 2025
  • Regular registration: June 30, 2025

* Full paper submission is required for authors seeking consideration in the Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Journal of International Economics and Management, or the Edited Volume.

Contacts

Ms. Nguyen Hoang Gia Linh: +84 354667099

Ms. Pham Hien Phuong: +84 962958455

Foreign Trade University

91 Chua Lang Str., Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Website: https://jiem.ftu.edu.vn/index.php/jiem/announcement

Email: jiemconference@ftu.edu.vn