Prelims

Half Title Page

Sustainable Innovation Reporting and Emerging Technologies

Series Title Page

Emerald Studies in Sustainable Innovation Management

Series Editors:

Vincenzo Corvello, University of Messina, Italy

Orlando Troisi, University of Salerno, Italy

Innovation management aims to drive a repeatable, sustainable innovation process within an organization. Such initiatives focus on disruptive or step changes that transform businesses in a significant way. Emerald Studies in Sustainable Innovation Management considers innovation management from an interdisciplinary perspective: technological (such as digitalization) and environmental (such as green transition, energy, transportation, etc.) elements, as well as unexpected pandemics and wars that challenge innovation in both concept and practice. Volumes in this series explore scientific developments to provide new innovation principles to overcome turbulent environments, uncertainty, sustainability issues, and outdated technology.

Title Page

Sustainable Innovation Reporting and Emerging Technologies: Promoting Accountability Through Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things

By

Gennaro Maione

University of Salerno, Italy

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

Copyright Page

Emerald Publishing Limited

Emerald Publishing, Floor 5, Northspring, 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL

First edition 2024

Copyright © 2024 Gennaro Maione.

Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited.

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No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without either the prior written permission of the publisher or a licence permitting restricted copying issued in the UK by The Copyright Licensing Agency and in the USA by The Copyright Clearance Center. Any opinions expressed in the chapters are those of the authors. Whilst Emerald makes every effort to ensure the quality and accuracy of its content, Emerald makes no representation implied or otherwise, as to the chapters' suitability and application and disclaims any warranties, express or implied, to their use.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-83797-740-6 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-83797-739-0 (Online)

ISBN: 978-1-83797-741-3 (Epub)

Dedication

To my daughter, Alessandra.

To the freshness of her smile.

To the scent of her skin.

To the sweetness of her eyes.

A mia figlia, Alessandra.

Alla freschezza del suo sorriso.

Al profumo della sua pelle.

Alla dolcezza dei suoi occhi.

About the Author

Gennaro Maione is a researcher in Business Economics at the Department of Economics and Statistics (DISES) of the University of Salerno, Italy, where he teaches Business Administration and Accounting. He is the Guest Editor of the journal Sustainability, Topic Editor of the journal Systems, and Editorial Board Member of the Open Journal of Accounting, the Journal of Business Administration Research, the Journal of Business and Economics, the American Journal of Accounting, and the American Journal of Economics. He is the author of scientific articles presented at conferences in Italy and abroad and published in national and international journals. His main research interests focus on accounting and accountability and include sustainability, the environment, and technological innovation.

Preface

Amidst the intricate fabric of human pursuits, the communal yearning for a world that functions harmoniously encounters the relentless progress of nascent technological breakthroughs, which entice us toward unexplored domains and challenge established socioeconomic frameworks. In exploring the nexus of innovation, sustainability, technology, and accounting, the book weaves a narrative transcending disciplinary boundaries and fostering awareness of humanity's shared responsibilities.

The fundamental inquiry of this work resides in the acknowledgment of a novel construal of accounting, which was formerly perceived as a mere mirror of economic transactions but has since burgeoned into an influence that molds the essence of human existence. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus wisely observed that “all entities move, and nothing remains still.” In this perpetual motion and relentless evolution spirit, this book explores sustainable innovation reporting, seeking to forge new paths and enrich human understanding by answering the following three research questions (RQs).

RQ1. To what extent did the historical transformation of accounting, from a passive reflection of economic transactions to an active force shaping our societal fabric, affect the trajectory of sustainable innovation reporting?

RQ2. In light of the progression outlining the worldwide accounting domain, what are the predictable obstacles and prospects that await sustainable innovation reporting?

RQ3. How can accounting scholars and practitioners converge to create synergies, exchange knowledge, and contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable innovation reporting to foster transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within organizations?

With five thought-provoking chapters on various aspects of sustainable innovation reporting, this work promotes the realization of accountability through the implementation of emerging technologies.

Chapter 1 sheds light on the origins of accounting thought, sustainable innovation reporting principles, and technological advancements' transformative potential. The historical, ethical, and philosophical foundations of accounting and accountability-innovation relationships are examined. This chapter examines the history of accounting thought, from double-entry bookkeeping to the modern discipline and the rise of sustainability and social responsibility.

It concludes by considering the paradox of control and flexibility, risk-taking and technological advancement, the complex equilibrium between conventional accounting principles and innovative approaches, and stakeholder expectations at the accountability-innovation nexus.

Chapter 2 expounds on the multifaceted interconnection between ethical facets, transparency, trust, and the influence of technology on accounting and accountability. The historical roots of ethical principles, professional conduct, decision-making, and corporate governance are debated. Questing for an ethically accountable culture, this chapter also examines the repercussions of unethical practices on stakeholders and the role of accounting education and professional development in molding ethical values.

Subsequently, the discussion moves toward highlighting the possibilities of emerging technologies in promoting openness and overcoming the obstacles that arise due to the lack of trustworthiness and reliability within the accounting industry. Afterward, the discourse focuses on ethical reporting and methodologies, accentuating the pivotal role of cross-disciplinary research on accounting ethics. This chapter closes by examining the role of accounting bodies and regulators in light of the evolution of professional standards.

Chapter 3 dives into the nuances surrounding accounting applications powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). It contemplates ethical deliberations on data privacy, security, algorithmic bias, and impartiality. Subsequently, the discourse shifts toward the obligations of professional organizations and regulatory bodies to guarantee the ethical execution of AI-driven accounting practices.

This chapter culminates in a case study, illustrating the intersection between AI and sustainable innovation reporting. The analysis delves into the results and best practices of actual implementation, thereby providing a tangible representation of this convergence.

Chapter 4 focuses on the impact of blockchain technology on sustainable innovation reporting. At first, the underpinnings of blockchain in accounting are unfolded to delve into the theoretical foundations elucidating the transformative potential of this technology, including double-entry bookkeeping, triple-entry accounting systems, and the ramifications of information asymmetry and Agency theory in blockchain-based accounting.

This chapter discusses the pivotal function of stakeholder engagement in decentralized accountability mechanisms. It also provides insight into the revolutionary capacity of blockchain as a stimulant for trust and transparency in accounting. Finally, a case study shows how blockchain technology promotes decentralized accountability.

Chapter 5 examines the connection between the Internet of Things (IoT) and sustainable innovation reporting to investigate how the former could change accounting and society. An overview of how IoT is reconfiguring the modus operandi of accounting experts in terms of data-centric discernment and judgment is proposed to outline the limitless prospects for solutions that this technology offers while also underscoring the significance of embracing a human-centric approach to propel the causes of sustainable preservation and ethical responsibility. Ultimately, a case study analysis shows how IoT may affect the reporting of sustainable innovation while also considering its possible hazards associated with digital inclusion and access, standardization, and interoperability issues.

Given these premises, this book is intended to act as a boost for thoughtful reflection and transformative action. May the stimuli gleaned from these pages inspire the reader to join the quest for sustainable innovation and contribute to the ongoing discourse on promoting accountability through emerging technologies.

Thus, with great enthusiasm and profound humility, I welcome you to “Sustainable Innovation Reporting and Emerging Technologies: promoting Accountability through Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things.”

The author

Gennaro Maione