Picture this: In a world spinning with unpredictable challenges like climate crises and tech upheavals, entrepreneurs hold the key to building a sustainable and unbreakable future. Yet, many overlook how their decisions, shaped by cutting-edge digital tools, could make or break that promise. Dive deeper with us, and discover why blending human ingenuity with decision support systems might just be the game-changer we need—and why some skeptics argue it could lead to over-reliance on machines that miss the human spark. But here's where it gets controversial: Could these systems actually stifle the creative chaos that fuels true innovation? Let's explore this together in our special issue call for papers.
Special Issue Submission Invitation: Entrepreneurial Actions and Decision Aids – Forging Pathways Toward Eco-Friendly and Robust Tomorrow
Publication Outlet: Technology in Society (Published by Elsevier)
Opening for Submissions: February 1, 2026
Final Submission Cutoff: July 31, 2026
Introduction
The esteemed journal Technology in Society, accessible via its official portal at https://www.globalsouthopportunities.com/, is seeking groundbreaking, theory-rich manuscripts for a dedicated special edition entitled “Entrepreneurial Actions and Decision Aids: Forging Pathways Toward Eco-Friendly and Robust Tomorrow.”
This edition delves into the dynamic interplay between how entrepreneurs operate and the role of decision support systems (DSS), which are sophisticated software platforms that help users analyze data and make informed choices. Together, they pave the way for fostering environmental responsibility, toughness in the face of adversity, and flexibility amid constant change. As business founders grapple with a turbulent world full of surprises, excessive data, and rapid tech advancements, these decision tools become essential for clear-headed planning and decisive steps forward. Even so, the human side of how entrepreneurs actually engage with and apply these systems—think emotions, habits, and personal biases—hasn't been deeply examined yet. And this is the part most people miss: While DSS promise precision, do they sometimes amplify our natural flaws rather than fix them?
The edition aims to deepen our collective knowledge on how entrepreneurs embrace, decode, and weave DSS into their choice-making routines, especially when dealing with pressing issues like environmental stewardship and intertwined economic and social hurdles.
To make this clearer for newcomers, imagine DSS as a digital advisor that crunches numbers and predicts outcomes—much like a weather app forecasting storms, but for business risks. Entrepreneurs use them to spot opportunities in green markets, say, or pivot during a pandemic, turning potential disasters into chances for growth.
Context and Justification
Today's entrepreneurial scene is dominated by what experts call VUCA—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. To put it simply, VUCA describes a reality where markets crash unpredictably (volatility), future outcomes are unclear (uncertainty), problems are layered and interconnected (complexity), and situations defy easy interpretation (ambiguity). Founders must confront everything from worldwide emergencies like health crises or economic downturns, to shifts in technology that disrupt industries, shaky market conditions, and environmental threats such as extreme weather or resource shortages. Thriving here isn't just about creative ideas; it demands the ability to collect and make sense of vast amounts of information, foresee upcoming shifts, and execute data-backed strategies even when the pressure is intense.
Decision Support Systems (DSS) shine as interactive, computer-powered resources that merge data insights, predictive models, and human input to guide choices. They empower entrepreneurs by enabling them to simulate different scenarios—imagine testing 'what if' business plans for launching a solar-powered startup—or spot hidden opportunities, assess dangers, and distribute resources wisely. This boosts a company's ability to adjust on the fly and secure enduring viability. For a relatable example, think of a small farm owner using DSS to analyze climate data and decide whether to switch to drought-resistant crops, blending tech smarts with real-world farming know-how.
Yet, the inner workings of how entrepreneurs psychologically interact with these tools are still largely a mystery. Burning questions linger:
- In what ways do mental shortcuts and ingrained prejudices skew the decisions made with DSS help?
- How much do feelings, social influences, and past experiences build or erode confidence in automated recommendations?
- When the stakes are sky-high, do entrepreneurs lean on DSS data or trust their gut instincts instead?
This special edition tackles these puzzles, connecting the study of entrepreneurial mindset with tech-assisted choices to yield practical wisdom for both academic theory and hands-on business practice. But here's where it gets controversial: Critics might say that overemphasizing DSS could erode the intuitive 'gut feelings' that have driven legendary entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs. Is tech support a savior or a crutch? We'd love to hear your take in the comments.
Core Areas and Reach
This edition spotlights the ways DSS empower entrepreneurs to achieve eco-conscious growth and bounce-back strength by aiding choices in uncertain times. We're eager for cross-disciplinary papers that probe the mental, thinking-based, and emotional elements of how founders interact with these digital helpers.
We especially encourage research drawing from fields like business management, tech systems, human psychology, green sustainability studies, and creative innovation. Contributors can use a range of methods, such as statistical data analysis, in-depth interviews, controlled experiments, blended approaches, or detailed real-world case studies.
Proposed Themes
Ideas for contributions could include, but aren't limited to:
- The psychological motivators and obstacles that influence entrepreneurs' uptake and application of DSS
- Mental shortcuts and ingrained biases impacting choices backed by DSS in business ventures
- How entrepreneurs build knowledge and find meaning through data-rich tools and online platforms
- The contributions of artificial intelligence, massive data processing, or virtual simulations in boosting forward-looking entrepreneurial vision
- Leveraging DSS for identifying green opportunities in environmentally focused businesses
- Building tech-assisted strength and adaptability during crises
- The feelings and mental states that guide decisions amidst unpredictability
- How digital resources shape a business's commitment to sustainability and its actions
- Variations in DSS use across cultures, genders, or specific settings
- Using DSS for strategic shifts in new or expanding companies
- Matters of ethics, reliability, and the synergy between humans and machines in entrepreneurial settings
- Applying DSS in socially driven businesses and local community innovations for greater resilience
- Real-life examples of successful shifts to sustainable practices enabled by DSS in entrepreneurial environments
To expand a bit, consider a case study on a startup using AI-driven DSS to optimize supply chains for zero-waste products—this not only illustrates the tech's power but also raises questions about data privacy and inclusivity in global markets.
Submission and Evaluation Procedure
Papers must be uploaded via Elsevier’s Editorial Manager®. Please choose the submission category “VSI: Sustainable and Resilient Futures” to associate your work with this special edition.
Every entry will face thorough double-blind peer review, following the journal's established standards. We welcome both theoretical explorations and evidence-based studies, as long as they push forward our understanding or offer tangible advice for entrepreneurial choices, tech evolution, and sustainable practices.
Submissions begin: February 1, 2026
Deadline: July 31, 2026
Citations
Influential sources shaping this special edition are:
Camuffo et al. (2024), Strategic Management Journal;
George et al. (2020), Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice;
Popkova et al. (2022), Technology in Society;
Shore et al. (2024), Technovation;
Zayadin et al. (2023), British Journal of Management;
von Ritter et al. (2025), International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research.
These works, along with others, highlight the rising scholarly fascination with the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental care—an arena this edition aims to broaden further.
Key Terms
Entrepreneurial Actions; Decision Aids; Digital Innovations; Green Entrepreneurship; Resilience; Creativity
Journal Details
Technology in Society serves as a multidisciplinary outlet exploring the societal, moral, and regulatory facets of technological progress. It features pioneering research on how innovations shape—and are shaped by—human communities, leadership, and worldwide sustainability dilemmas.
CHECK THE OFFICIAL SITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/325115/entrepreneurial-behavior-and-decision-support-systems-new-path-to-sustainable-and-resilient-futures)
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What do you think—will DSS truly empower entrepreneurs to create a better world, or could they widen the gap between tech-savvy innovators and those left behind? Share your views in the comments, and let's debate: Is intuition the unsung hero of entrepreneurship, or is data the new gold standard?
