FORWARD

We are honored to present the proceedings of the 1st International Association of Technology and Management (IATM) Conference, held in partnership with the 25th Global Conference on Flexible Systems Management (GLOGIFT 25). This landmark event brought together a diverse and dynamic community of scholars, practitioners, and researchers from across the globe, fostering a rich exchange of ideas on emerging trends in technology, management, sustainability, and social accountability.

In an age marked by digital disruption, rapid innovation, and shifting socio-economic landscapes, research that bridges theory and practice is more vital than ever. The IATM-GLOGIFT 2025 Conference rose to this challenge, assembling a multidisciplinary cohort of critical thinkers and change-makers. Their work spans cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, the metaverse, digital leadership, public sector governance, strategy, innovation, and sustainability.

The papers compiled in this volume reflect the depth and breadth of this global gathering. They offer both scientific rigor and practical relevance, addressing real-world challenges across areas including Marketing, Human Resource Development, Management, Information Technology, Public Policy, and emerging global discourses. Many contributions also present best practices that inform actionable solutions to contemporary business and social issues through informed dialogue.

This conference emphasized the importance of context-specific and localized innovation. Featured studies include analyses of Indian public sector enterprises, evolving trends in corporate social responsibility (CSR), the growing role of AI in sustainable business models, and the psychological implications of AI-influenced consumer behavior. These inquiries are timely and vital as organizations worldwide grapple with ethical complexity and multifaceted decision-making.

Several contributions push the boundaries of current knowledge by integrating emerging technologies with social science frameworks. Topics such as digital mentoring, remote leadership, and AI-driven forecasting provoke essential questions about how technology is transforming organizations, strategy, workforce development, and knowledge dissemination. Other papers address critical socio-political themes, including public health, vaccine efficacy, demographic analysis, ethics, and digital transformation within public institutions. These are not merely academic explorations—they inform policy, guide professional practice, and catalyze systemic change.

A wide range of interdisciplinary methodologies is represented, from mixed-method empirical studies and conceptual frameworks to bibliometric analyses. These works are relevant to established scholars, early-career researchers, institutional leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals seeking novel insights and collaborative opportunities.

This volume stands firmly on the global academic stage, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and intellectual diversity. Its contributions transcend language, geography, and professional boundaries, affirming that impactful research can emerge from any context. Whether addressing leadership in emerging economies, innovation in digitally underserved communities, or gender mainstreaming in STEM education, all contributors are united by a shared commitment to advancing knowledge for the betterment of humanity.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the research authors for their valuable contributions, the reviewers for their thoughtful evaluations, and the editorial team for their dedication to academic excellence. We also acknowledge the organizing committees of IATM and GLOGIFT, whose vision and coordination made this scholarly exchange possible.

It is our hope that this volume will serve as a lasting foundation for continued research, dialogue, and innovation—endeavors that will shape institutions, transform systems, and improve lives for years to come.

With warmest regards,

Larry C. Pickett, MBB, MBA, MS

Chairman, Advisory Board of IATM

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The International Conference on Future Business Trends and Transformations: Navigating ‘Technological Advancements and Global Customer Aspirations’, held under the aegis of the International Association of Technology and Management (IATM) and 25th Global Conference on Flexible Systems Management (GLOFIT 25) convened a dynamic mix of scholars, practitioners, and innovators to explore the forces reshaping business in a digitally driven, customer-centric world. This conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange, critical reflection, and collaborative ideation at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and global consumer trends.

In today’s rapidly transforming global landscape, technological innovation—from artificial intelligence and machine learning to blockchain and IoT—is not just altering business processes, but redefining entire industries. As automation, data analytics, and smart technologies become central to operations, they unlock vast opportunities for efficiency, personalization, and scalable innovation. Meanwhile, customer expectations have evolved beyond product and price, demanding seamless experiences, ethical conduct, transparency, and sustainable value. Businesses must now balance innovation with social consciousness to thrive in an era defined by digitally empowered, values-driven consumers.

The conference was carefully curated around these imperatives, with the primary objective of examining how organizations can future-proof their strategies by understanding and responding to these dual forces—technological disruption and shifting consumer aspirations. Through paper presentations, thematic sessions, and roundtable dialogues, participants gained insights into how businesses across sectors are navigating these complexities and transforming challenges into opportunities.

Hosted by IATM, a nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania, USA, the conference also reflected the association’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of global leaders and changemakers. Through its three-fold focus—mentorship for researchers and students, early-career development, and institutional support—IATM plays a pivotal role in shaping an inclusive, interdisciplinary ecosystem that fosters intellectual growth, innovation, and sustainability.

This event aligned seamlessly with IATM’s vision to promote cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration, bringing together individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The conference encouraged participants to share research findings, case studies, practical experiences, and emerging trends, creating a rich, multidimensional discourse that bridges academia and industry.

Key thematic areas of the conference included:

• The role of digital transformation in customer experience and strategic planning.

• Ethical and sustainable technology adoption.

• Innovation in public sector and private enterprise management.

• AI, data analytics, and digital tools in business decision-making.

• Inclusive leadership, diversity in tech, and future-ready workforce development.

Each session underscored the importance of strategic agility, ethical governance, and innovation-led growth in building resilient organizations. Notably, young researchers and early-career professionals played an active role in the dialogue, reflecting IATM’s commitment to empowering emerging voices and fostering mentorship-based learning.

This executive gathering successfully fostered collaborative research, global networking, and thought leadership, reinforcing IATM’s role as a catalyst for transformative change in the realms of technology and management. The insights, frameworks, and discussions generated here will undoubtedly shape ongoing and future projects, partnerships, and policy considerations.

As the world continues to navigate the complexities of digital evolution and consumer activism, the learnings from this conference will provide valuable guidance to institutions, leaders, and change agents committed to creating a more connected, ethical, and sustainable global business ecosystem.

Proceeding Editors:

Dr. Heather Morgan, Assistant Professor, Kennesaw State University

Dr. Tanusree Chakraborty, Professor, Administrative Staff College of India