Business Creativity and Circular Economy

This book is groundbreaking since it unites some of the most pioneering researchers who rebuild the relationship between the world of technology, finance, industry, and sustainability in the world that is being fast redefined by the digital world. It confuses innovation as well as the ethics, theory, and practice and shows how both technologically advanced and social responsibility should be the basis of the future of development. The central topic of the book is the exploration of how the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital finance transform the world system of production, investment, and governance. This book provides us with insights into how a transformative research can bring about a source of action in the form of blockchain-based tokenized blue bonds, which democratize access to ocean conservation funds, the tripartite system of governance bringing together industrial expansion and environmental safety in the copper industry, and so forth. The rigorous amount of research as well as futuristic perspective is tight in all the contributions and the question of analysis is substantial with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The authors discuss the recent developments in blockchain ecosystems, Industry 4.0, sustainable finance, and collaborative governance―revealing that responsible innovation can help align the technological development with the ecological and social requirements. This book is a valuable source of information to scholars, policymakers, and professionals in the fields of economics, finance, environmental management, industrial engineering, and administration. It provides critical thinking and practical opportunities of infusing sustainability into the contemporary economies. It demonstrates by a variety of case studies and interdisciplinary frameworks that the future success of the economies hinge on the ability to bring digital transformation in line with environmental responsibility and ethical governance. The uniqueness of this book is the fact that it is diverse―in ideas, approaches, and world views. The input of the experts working in regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and Asia is a joint effort to indicate that a shared belief, such as that sustainable development can only be reached with the help of transparent innovation, the formation of partnerships, and the involvement of everyone in policies. 

An essential read for those seeking to build a future where innovation serves humanity, and progress sustains the planet.

Professor Asma Salman is the Vice President for Research and a Professor of Finance at the American University in the Emirates (AUE), Dubai, UAE, where she leads the university’s research strategy, scholarly output, and international research collaborations. Her work focuses on the intersection of finance, emerging technologies, and sustainable economic systems, with particular emphasis on FinTech, blockchain applications, digital transformation, and innovation-driven economic development. Professor Salman holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the Harbin Institute of Technology, China, and an MBA in Finance and Accounting. Her academic and research engagements span multiple international institutions, including research and academic collaborations in the United Kingdom, Middle East, and Asia. She has supervised graduate and doctoral research across business and finance disciplines and has contributed to the development of research-driven graduate programs.

Dr. Nikolina Ljepava is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Acting Dean of College of Business Administration at the University of Khorfakkan, bringing more than twenty years of combined academic, administrative, and professional experience. Before her current appointment, she served in multiple leadership roles at the American University in the Emirates, including Acting Dean of the College of Business Administration, Department Chair of Management, and MBA Program Director. In these roles, she led strategic planning, curriculum development, quality assurance, budgeting, faculty management, and international accreditation processes. A Chartered Marketer (FCIM) and Certified Digital Marketing Professional, Dr. Ljepava specializes in digital transformation, human-machine interaction, and the application of AI in marketing and business education. She has led initiatives in blended learning, launched industry advisory boards, and collaborated extensively with global professional bodies and industry partners. Recognized with multiple awards for research excellence and visionary leadership, she combines academic rigor with practical expertise, shaping programs that connect business education with the realities of a rapidly evolving digital economy.