In the wake of accelerating technological disruption and AI proliferation, societies across the globe are undergoing structural transformations that challenge conventional paradigms of governance, equity, and sustainability. This Collection explores how AI-driven digitalization is reshaping economic structures, labor markets, institutional trust, and policy frameworks in diverse socio-political settings.

We invite interdisciplinary contributions that critically engage with emerging governance models, the ethical and distributive implications of platform capitalism, and the socio-environmental impacts of AI-powered economic systems. Special emphasis will be placed on comparative analyses between advanced and developing economies, South–South cooperation, digital divides, and the unintended consequences of algorithmic control in public and private sectors.

Submissions may address, but are not limited to: AI governance and regulatory innovation; digital labor and automation; sustainable digital finance; AI and global trade architecture; data justice; environmental footprint of digital infrastructures; and AI’s influence on institutional resilience and global inequality. We welcome theoretical, empirical, and policy-oriented studies across economics, sociology, international relations, environmental studies, and political science.

This Collection aims to provide a platform for forward-looking research that not only diagnoses current dilemmas but also reimagines normative frameworks for just and sustainable digital futures. We seek to bring together diverse voices from academia, policy, and civil society to co-construct insights into how global society can adapt to and shape AI-led transitions.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Global Governance, Sustainability Transitions, Data Justice, Trade Policy, Algorithmic Inequality, Digital Economy, Institutional Resilience, Platform Capitalism.

This proposed Collection examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly agentic AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making and adaptive orchestration, can advance gender equity and inclusive development within digital societies. While AI-driven transformation reshapes governance, labor markets, financial systems, and public service delivery, structural gender inequalities risk being encoded and amplified within algorithmic systems.

This Collection seeks interdisciplinary research that critically evaluates both the empowering potential and structural risks of agentic AI, with emphasis on women’s economic participation, algorithmic governance, digital inclusion, and institutional accountability. Contributions are encouraged that explore AI-enabled financial inclusion, gender-responsive digital policy, bias auditing in autonomous systems, women’s participation in digital entrepreneurship, and AI’s role in strengthening social cohesion and public institutions.

The Collection prioritizes empirical research, comparative studies, computational audits, and policy frameworks, particularly from developing and emerging economies, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. By foregrounding women not only as users but as designers, innovators, and decision-makers within AI ecosystems, this Collection advances structural approaches to equitable digital transformation.

This Collection aims to:

1. Advance rigorous, evidence-based research on AI and gender equity.

2. Develop governance and regulatory frameworks for responsible agentic AI deployment.

3. Highlight empirical cases from developing economies and Global South contexts.

4. Foster cross-disciplinary dialogue among Information Systems, Sociology, Economics, Public Policy, and Gender Studies.

5. Provide actionable policy insights aligned with sustainable digital development strategies.

Submissions using quantitative (SEM, causal modeling), qualitative (case studies, institutional analysis), computational auditing, and mixed-method approaches are particularly encouraged.