4th AU College of Business Annual Conference
Human-Machine Collaboration for Sustainable Growth and Harnessing the Potential of AI
About this Topic
Organized by the Australian University in Collaboration with the Centre for Business Analytics (CBAP) at University of Surrey, United Kingdom, International Center of Industrial Transformation, Singapore, and Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (sponsor)
About the Conference
ICDSA 2026 will explore the profound impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution where AI, humanoid robotics, and human-machine collaboration are driving transformative change. As governments and industries invest in digital economies and sustainable development, this interdisciplinary conference will provide a vital platform for scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and innovators to share cutting-edge research, practical insights, and policy frameworks. Organized by the Australian University, in collaboration with ERF, RRI, AMEA, UNIDO, and key regional and private sector institutions, the event aims to foster inclusive dialogue and actionable strategies to build resilient, AI-enabled futures.
The conference will be preceded by three pre-conference workshops designed to provide hands-on learning and deeper engagement with key themes.
Conference Objectives
- Explore the transformative potential of AI, robotics, and digital technologies in addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges across the MENA and GCC regions.
- Foster strategic partnerships among academia, government, and industry to accelerate innovation and knowledge exchange in digital transformation and sustainability.
- Develop actionable, region-specific solutions for AI governance, future employment, climate resilience, and inclusive sustainable development.
Key Themes
- AI, robotics, and digital economies in the MENA region.
- Business innovation & performance through AI-driven transformation.
- AI and sustainability in higher education.
- Economic diversification and smart manufacturing.
- STEAM education & youth employment in the AI era.
- AI-powered smart cities and urban resilience.
- Leveraging AI for knowledge economies and entrepreneurship.
Note: Papers with application in MENA and GCC are highly recommended.
Target Audience
- Academic researchers and doctoral students.
- Government policymakers and regulators.
- Industry leaders, technology innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Key Dates
- Extended abstract submission deadline: October 15, 2025
- Notification of acceptance/revisions: December 1, 2025
- Revised abstracts due: December 15, 2025
- Early registration deadline: December 31, 2025
- Pre-conference workshops: February 3, 2026
- Conference dates: February 4–5, 2026
