📘 Call for Chapters: Enhancing Community Empowerment Through Digital Transformation in Local Governance

I am pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for researchers, academics, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute to an upcoming edited book titled Enhancing Community Empowerment Through Digital Transformation in Local Governance, to be published by IGI Global in 2026.

This book will explore the intersection of digital innovation and grassroots governance, focusing on how emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics—can empower communities and improve transparency, inclusivity, and service delivery at the local level.

Despite growing interest and investment in e-governance, its application at the community level remains uneven and under-researched. This volume seeks to fill that gap by drawing from interdisciplinary insights, practical case studies, and theoretical advancements from across developed, developing, and transitional economies.

✍️ Submission Details

• Proposal Submission Deadline: July 27, 2025
• Full Chapter Submission: October 19, 2025
• Final Submission Deadline: January 4, 2026
• Expected Publication: 2026
• Publisher: IGI Global (USA)
• No submission or publication fees.

Contributors are invited to submit chapter proposals (1,000–2,000 words) describing the scope and focus of their intended chapter. All proposals and chapters will undergo a double-anonymized peer review process.

🔗 Submit here: https://www.igi-global.com/publish/call-for-papers/call-details/9015

📌 Recommended Topics Include (but are not limited to):

• Theories and frameworks of local digital governance
• Digital inclusion and the rural-urban technology gap
• Use of AI, mobile platforms, and blockchain in community governance
• Comparative case studies of grassroots e-governance
• Participatory platforms for civic engagement
• Policy, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations in local e-governance
• Capacity building and digital literacy for local stakeholders
• Monitoring and evaluation tools for community-level digital initiatives

🎯 Target Audience

This book will be particularly valuable to:

• Academics and researchers in public administration, ICT4D, and development studies
• Government and local authorities involved in digital transformation
• NGOs and civil society organizations focusing on community empowerment
• Tech developers creating e-governance and civic tech solutions
• Students and educators exploring grassroots digital innovation

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📨 For inquiries, please contact:
Hakikur Rahman
International Standard University
📧 email@hakik.org

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This volume is an important step toward strengthening digital governance at the level that affects people most directly: the grassroots. I invite you to be part of this collaborative and impactful scholarly effort.

#CallForChapters #DigitalGovernance #CommunityEmpowerment #eGovernance #ICT4D #AI4Governance #LocalDevelopment #HakikurRahman

 

🌟 A New Chapter with IJKM and a Proud Recognition

I am delighted to share two significant updates in my academic journey.

🏛️ New Affiliation at IJKM

As of May 12, 2025, I have taken on a new institutional affiliation with International Standard University (ISU) as a Professor and Chair, CSE in my ongoing role as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM). IJKM continues to serve as a platform for advancing discourse in the evolving field of knowledge management and information systems.

This affiliation reflects my continued commitment to bridging research, policy, and technological advancement—especially in areas like digital transformation, knowledge ecosystems, and responsible innovation.

🏆 IJKM Featured in Reviewer of the Year Awards (2024–2025)

In even more exciting news, IJKM was recently featured in the 2024–2025 Reviewer of the Year Awards, an international recognition for journals that uphold rigorous, high-quality, and timely peer review standards.

This acknowledgment is not just an achievement for the journal but a tribute to the entire scholarly community behind it — our dedicated reviewers, editorial board, and contributing authors, all of whom make our collective work possible.

📚 Moving Forward

With renewed institutional support and this recognition in hand, we at IJKM remain dedicated to:

• Advancing interdisciplinary research in knowledge management

• Promoting high editorial and ethical standards

• Supporting emerging scholars and practitioners around the globe

I look forward to continuing this journey with you — as a reader, reviewer, contributor, or collaborator.

📬 If you're interested in submitting to IJKM, reviewing for us, or exploring collaborative opportunities, feel free to reach out.

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Dr. Hakikur Rahman
Editor-in-Chief, IJKM
International Standard University (ISU)
📧email@hakik.org | 🌐 https://www.igi-global.com/journal/international-journal-knowledge-management/1083

Bridging the Digital Divide: Presidency University Session Accepted for WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025

I’m thrilled to share a significant milestone: our session proposal titled "Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development" has been officially accepted for presentation at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025, scheduled from 7 to 11 July at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland.

Representing Presidency University, this session offers a vital platform to address how inclusive and forward-thinking ICT policies can help eliminate digital inequality and drive meaningful progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

WSIS+20: A Global Milestone

The WSIS+20 event commemorates two decades of the World Summit on the Information Society process. It serves as a high-level global forum bringing together international stakeholders—from governments and academia to civil society and the private sector—to reflect on past achievements and envision a digital future that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive.

Our Accepted Proposal

Our session, "Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development," focuses on identifying practical, scalable strategies that foster digital inclusion, particularly for underserved communities. By addressing access, equity, education, and participation, we aim to reimagine ICT policies that empower societies and reduce digital gaps.

A Shared Platform for Sustainability

Following the WSIS Secretariat's review, our session will be grouped with two other compelling proposals under the broader theme of ICT and Sustainable Digital Transformation:

1. Leveraging ICT Technology in Supporting Business Sustainability and Resilience
   Safeworld Management Services

2. Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development
   Presidency University

3. Advancing Inclusive, Ethical, and Sustainable Digital Transformation for the Future Global Development
   City University Bangladesh

This collaboration highlights the collective commitment to building inclusive digital ecosystems and opens the door for mutual learning, cross-sector dialogue, and international cooperation.

Looking Ahead

Presenting at WSIS+20 is more than just a personal or institutional achievement—it’s an opportunity to shape policy conversations that have a global impact. I am deeply honored to contribute alongside distinguished partners in advancing sustainable and inclusive digital transformation.

I extend sincere thanks to the WSIS Secretariat for this recognition and to my colleagues, students, and institutional leaders who continue to support this important work.

Stay connected—more updates will follow as we prepare for the event!

Hakikur Rahman, Ph.D.

A proud graduate of Ansted University.

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Are you attending WSIS+20 or interested in collaborations on ICT, digital equity, or sustainable development? Let’s connect and explore synergies.

#WSIS2025 #DigitalInclusion #ICT4D #SDGs #PresidencyUniversity #SustainableDevelopment #BridgingTheDivide #WSIS20 #ICTPolicy #GlobalDevelopment

A Proud Literary Milestone!

I am truly honored and humbled to be a small part of what is being celebrated as "দু'হাজার বছরের সর্ববৃহৎ কাব্যগ্রন্থ"  "(The Largest Poetry Anthology in 2000 Years), published by the আন্তর্জাতিক সাহিত্য সমন্বয় কেন্দ্র (International Literary Coordination Center) of Kolkata and edited by the esteemed Mr. Prabir Biswas.

My Bengali poem "Gopon Prodip" (The Secret Lamp) has been featured on page 45 of this monumental volume.

Being included in such a remarkable collection alongside poets from around the globe is indeed one of the most memorable moments of my literary journey.

Heartfelt thanks to all who have supported and inspired me along the way. Your encouragement continues to light my path. 🌟📖✍️

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#PoetryAnthology #InternationalPoetry #BengaliPoetry #ProudWriter #LiteraryAchievement #GoponProdip #KolkataLiterature #GlobalVoicesInPoetry #WriterLife #PublishedPoet

Recognition of IJKM Under IGI Global’s Latest Campaign

I am pleased to share that the International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM), under my stewardship as Editor-in-Chief, has been recently highlighted by IGI Global as part of their "Our Latest Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles" campaign.

This recognition underscores IJKM’s continued commitment to advancing scholarly research in the field of knowledge management. Alongside IJKM, the International Journal of Asian Business and Information Management (IJABIM) and the International Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Information Systems (IJAEIS) were also featured — reflecting the broad scope and quality of IGI Global’s Open Access journals.

As IJKM transitions into a fully Open Access model, this acknowledgment by IGI Global reaffirms our dedication to providing researchers, practitioners, and academics worldwide with accessible, peer-reviewed knowledge.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our editorial board members, reviewers, contributing authors, and the wider academic community for their steadfast support. Their contributions are the cornerstone of the journal's success and visibility.

We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of research dissemination and look forward to continuing this journey with our global readership.

Hakikur Rahman
Editor-in-Chief
International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM)

 

🌟 A Milestone to Remember: 7,000 Reads and Counting!

Today, I received a small but meaningful notification from ResearchGate:

"Way to go, Hakikur! Your article reached 7,000 reads."

The article in question, titled “Open Innovation in SMEs: From Closed Boundaries to Networked Paradigm”, has now been read over 7,000 times.

To many, this may seem like just another number. But to me, it's a deeply motivating moment — a quiet acknowledgment that ideas matter, that someone, somewhere, took the time to engage with the work I put into this research.

💭 Reflecting on the Journey

This article was born out of a deep interest in the evolving landscape of innovation, particularly how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapt through openness and collaboration. It delves into the shift from isolated development models toward more networked paradigms — something increasingly vital in today’s interconnected economy.

Over the years, the paper has sparked discussions, questions, and perhaps most importantly, thoughts. For a researcher like me, that’s what makes this journey worth it.

🙏 A Word of Thanks

I am grateful to everyone who has read, shared, or referenced the article. Your curiosity and engagement keep the research alive beyond the pages.

And to young researchers out there: keep writing, keep sharing, and don’t worry about the numbers too early. They grow — slowly, then all at once.

🔗 If You Haven’t Read It Yet...

You can access the article here:
👉 Open Innovation in SMEs: From Closed Boundaries to Networked Paradigm

Here’s to more learning, sharing, and reaching new milestones together. 📚

 Call for Papers for Gold Open Access Journal:

Description

Information and communication technologies are directly influencing the way human beings are engaging themselves in their routine activities. The governance including socio-economic environment needs a catalyst for social change for human development. Currently, technologies are required to play the role of a catalyst to bring this social change for human development. The International Journal of Information Communication Technologies and Human Development (IJICTHD) will compile theoretical and empirical works that significantly contribute to the still unexplored field of how ICTs can make a difference in the lives of human beings and contribute to human development.

Topics Covered
ICTs and citizen participation
ICTs and commerce
ICTs and culture
ICTs and education
ICTs and ethics
ICTs and gender equality
ICTs and governance
ICTs and health
ICTs and human empowerment
ICTs and human rights
ICTs and international cooperation
ICTs and political development
ICTs and poverty alleviation
ICTs and rural development
ICTs and social change
ICTs and social media
ICTs and social networks
ICTs and socio-economic development
ICTs and the environment
ICTs and urban development
Knowledge for human development
Policy making with regard to ICTs for development

For more information and for your submission, please visit www.igi-global.com/ijicthd
(This is a progressive call. There is no deadline)

Thanking you,
Dr. Hakikur Rahman
EiC, IJICTHD.
email@hakik.org