Proceedings of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Equity and Digital Strategies (SEEDS 2024)

Conference: Proceedings of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Equity and Digital Strategies (SEEDS 2024)
Date: 17-18 December 2024
Location: Dubai, UAE (Hybrid)
Website: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/seeds-international-conference

The second edition of the International Conference on Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Equity, and Digital Strategies (SEEDS 2024) marks a significant milestone in the advancement of interdisciplinary research addressing contemporary global challenges. This scholarly compilation, emerging from the collaborative efforts of Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, and Middlesex University Dubai, presents a comprehensive collection of research that bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications across multiple domains of inquiry.

The conference was held on December 17–18, 2024, at Middlesex University Dubai, commencing at 10:00 AM. The proceedings reflect the pressing need for integrated approaches to global challenges, particularly at the intersection of sustainability, digital transformation, social equity, and entrepreneurial innovation. The research papers presented herein demonstrate sophisticated methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks that contribute substantially to these interconnected fields of study.

The technological dimension of sustainable development receives particular attention in these proceedings. Project Solaris presents an innovative application of deep learning methodologies in the monitoring and optimization of solar farm operations, demonstrating the potential of artificial intelligence in advancing renewable energy initiatives. This research exemplifies the integration of cutting-edge technology with sustainable development goals, providing empirical evidence of the practical applications of machine learning in environmental monitoring. The implementation of artificial intelligence in organizational contexts is further explored through the examination of professional training practices in Moroccan companies. This research contributes to our understanding of technological adoption in developing economies and its implications for workforce development.

The proceedings present several significant contributions to the discourse on equity and inclusion in organizational contexts. A critical examination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives provides nuanced insights into the complex relationship between organizational fairness and meritocracy. This research challenges conventional approaches to workplace diversity and presents empirical evidence of unintended consequences in DEI implementation. The investigation of neurodiversity in the workplace through a bibliometric analysis represents a methodologically rigorous approach to understanding technological accommodations for diverse workforce populations. Additionally, the examination of special education needs through the lens of parent and teacher experiences provides valuable insights into educational equity.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations receive substantial scholarly attention through multiple analytical frameworks. The examination of ESG practices in Nigerian non-financial firms provides valuable insights into the relationship between income diversification and financial sustainability. The analysis of ESG disclosures in the Indian context, utilizing CRISIL frameworks, presents a methodologically robust examination of corporate sustainability reporting. These studies contribute significantly to our understanding of ESG implementation in emerging markets and its implications for corporate financial performance.

. The entrepreneurial dimension of sustainable development is comprehensively addressed through various research perspectives. The examination of entrepreneurial abilities in fintech companies presents valuable insights into the relationship between creativity, risk-taking, and organizational innovativeness. The investigation of entrepreneurship opportunities in traditional industries, exemplified by the study of Kanchipuram silk industries, demonstrates the potential for innovation in heritage sectors.

Gender-focused research receives significant attention through multiple studies. The examination of women’s empowerment through self-help groups engaged in crochet craft provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness of collective entrepreneurship initiatives. The analysis of gender-responsive budgeting in India presents a comparative study that contributes to the literature on gender mainstreaming in public finance, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of policy interventions aimed at promoting gender equity through fiscal mechanisms.

The intersection of technological innovation and sustainability is explored through several significant studies. The investigation of artificial intelligence applications in sustainable agriculture presents critical insights into the environmental implications of technological adoption in the agricultural sector. The comparative analysis of sustainable materials, exemplified by the study of Aloe Vera and Bamboo knitted fabrics, demonstrates the potential for innovation in sustainable material science.

The proceedings demonstrate remarkable methodological diversity, encompassing quantitative analyses, qualitative investigations, case studies, and mixed-method approaches. This methodological plurality strengthens the validity and reliability of the findings presented and enhances the practical applicability of the research outcomes. The examination of digital payment adoption in Egypt presents a rigorous empirical investigation of technological diffusion in emerging markets, contributing to our understanding of the factors influencing financial technology adoption in developing economies.

The research presented in this proceeding identifies several promising avenues for future investigation. The integration of artificial intelligence with sustainable development practices, the evolution of ESG frameworks in emerging markets, and the development of inclusive technological solutions represent particularly fertile areas for continued scholarly inquiry.

The intellectual rigor and scholarly dedication evidenced in this proceeding reflect the commitment of the contributing authors, peer reviewers, and organizing committee members. Their collective efforts have resulted in a significant contribution to the academic literature on sustainability, entrepreneurship, equity, and digital transformation. This proceeding serves not only as a repository of current research but also as a catalyst for future scholarly inquiry into these critical domains, advancing theoretical understanding while maintaining practical relevance for addressing contemporary global challenges.