This book investigates how smart technologies can play a crucial role in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on FinTech as well as artificial intelligence, the author demonstrates how one of the most effective strategies for accelerating progress toward global development goals is to make use of emerging technologies to broaden and deepen the scope of action. The first part of the book offers a historical perspective on sustainable development, financial technology and the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while the second part looks in-depth at new technologies that can contribute to the realization of the SDGs. The power of AI to reduce poverty and increase food security, the implications of digital innovations for education, the impact of AI on clean transport, the role of FinTech in mitigating climate change, and ways in which AI can aid financial inclusion are all discussed.

The rise of technology in human culture has changed almost every facet of society. Technology is especially useful regarding sustainable development. These technologies can cause significant greenhouse gas reductions and other benefits in terms of logistics and smart cities. New technology applied in this way can greatly help the human effort to restore the environment. Disruptive Technologies and Eco-Innovation for Sustainable Development provides an in-depth look into the new techniques, strategies, and technologies for achieving environmental sustainability through best business and technology practices. The book covers topics such as eco-innovation, green criteria, Agriculture 4.0, and topics related to logic, philosophy, and history of science and technology from the green/sustainable point of view. It is essential for managers, academicians, scientists, students, and researchers in various government, public, and private sectors.

This book shows latest research on artificial intelligence for sustainable technology. ICGER 2021 was organized by the Accounting, Finance and Banking Department at Ahlia University, Bahrain, and was conducted on the 15th and 16th of September. The strategic partners included the University of Jordan, the Bahrain Economists Society, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants: ACCA, Al-Barka Banking Group and the International Computer Auditing Education Association: ICAEA . The theme of the ICGER 2021 centered around artificial intelligence for sustainable finance and sustainable technology. Accordingly, the papers presented at the conference provided a holistic view of sustainable finance, sustainability, AI, financial technology, cybersecurity, blockchain, CSR, and governance. This book, unlike ever before, brings together intelligence applications of new technologies and the sustainability requirements in the era of the digital economy, with special attention given to the opportunities, challenges, for education, business growth, and economic progression of nations which will help societies (economists, financial managers, engineers, ICT specialists, digital managers, data managers, policymakers, regulators, researchers, academics, and students) to better understand, use, and control AI applications and financial technologies to develop future strategies and to achieve sustainable development goals.

This book investigates how smart technologies can play a crucial role in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on FinTech as well as artificial intelligence, the author demonstrates how one of the most effective strategies for accelerating progress toward global development goals is to make use of emerging technologies to broaden and deepen the scope of action. The first part of the book offers a historical perspective on sustainable development, financial technology and the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while the second part looks in-depth at new technologies that can contribute to the realization of the SDGs. The power of AI to reduce poverty and increase food security, the implications of digital innovations for education, the impact of AI on clean transport, the role of FinTech in mitigating climate change, and ways in which AI can aid financial inclusion are all discussed. David Mhlanga is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His research topics include financial inclusion, poverty studies, and Industry 4.0. His wider subject areas include development economics, the economics of artificial intelligence, health, and education economics. He is the author of Digital Financial Inclusion, published by Palgrave in 2022.

This paper discusses the impact of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the financial sector. It highlights the benefits these technologies bring in terms of financial deepening and efficiency, while raising concerns about its potential in widening the digital divide between advanced and developing economies. The paper advances the discussion on the impact of this technology by distilling and categorizing the unique risks that it could pose to the integrity and stability of the financial system, policy challenges, and potential regulatory approaches. The evolving nature of this technology and its application in finance means that the full extent of its strengths and weaknesses is yet to be fully understood. Given the risk of unexpected pitfalls, countries will need to strengthen prudential oversight.

Written by prominent thought leaders in the global fintech space, The AI Book aggregates diverse expertise into a single, informative volume and explains what artifical intelligence really means and how it can be used across financial services today. Key industry developments are explained in detail, and critical insights from cutting-edge practitioners offer first-hand information and lessons learned. Coverage includes: · Understanding the AI Portfolio: from machine learning to chatbots, to natural language processing (NLP); a deep dive into the Machine Intelligence Landscape; essentials on core technologies, rethinking enterprise, rethinking industries, rethinking humans; quantum computing and next-generation AI · AI experimentation and embedded usage, and the change in business model, value proposition, organisation, customer and co-worker experiences in today’s Financial Services Industry · The future state of financial services and capital markets – what’s next for the real-world implementation of AITech? · The innovating customer – users are not waiting for the financial services industry to work out how AI can re-shape their sector, profitability and competitiveness · Boardroom issues created and magnified by AI trends, including conduct, regulation & oversight in an algo-driven world, cybersecurity, diversity & inclusion, data privacy, the ‘unbundled corporation’ & the future of work, social responsibility, sustainability, and the new leadership imperatives · Ethical considerations of deploying Al solutions and why explainable Al is so important

Responsible and sustainable business practices are becoming increasingly important in the information age, as companies are realizing the need to address ethical and social issues associated with their operations. In today’s interconnected world, businesses have access to vast amounts of data that can be used to improve their bottom line but can also pose significant risks to individuals and society. At the same time, responsible business practices have the capacity to positively impact international development goals such as poverty alleviation, economic growth, responsible consumption, and health and social welfare. This book presents a transdisciplinary framework for addressing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, offering fresh perspectives from the Global South. It provides an overview of the key challenges and opportunities associated with responsible business practices in the information age, including the need to balance privacy and security concerns with data analytics and innovation. It also highlights some of the best practices and initiatives, such as stakeholder engagement, transparency, and accountability. The book establishes the role of green leadership in promoting responsible production, discusses the importance of measuring and reporting on sustainable innovation, including the use of sustainability metrics and reporting frameworks. Further, it debates the importance of incorporating ethics and sustainability in strategic management practices. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the integration of these values in organizational decision‐making. By delving into the pressing matters that impact our world today, the book generates a sense of urgency and awareness among its audience. Its inclusive approach to exploring various perspectives and opinions invites readers to participate in a constructive dialogue, broadening their understanding and deepening their empathy for different viewpoints.

It is said that the COVID-19 pandemic has turned back the poverty clock. As such, there is a need to have social mechanisms put in place to provide relief to those who are affected in this regard. Islamic social finance consists of tools and institutions that could be used to alleviate poverty. This book explores the impact of COVID-19 on Islamic finance to better understand the effectiveness of Islamic social finance in helping those who have been affected by poverty overnight due to the halt in all major economic activities in the context of the pandemic. Since the struggle against poverty in each country will be different, the book attempts to shed light on the experiences of different countries by presenting successful models of Islamic social finance. The book first looks at poverty and COVID-19 before delving into the role of Islamic social financial institutions and how they have risen against COVID-19. The book concludes by examining the impact of COVID-19 on Islamic microfinance. This book is the first of its kind on the subject of COVID-19, and it intends to bridge the gap in the literature.