More than 40 studies on digital transformation, green innovation and sustainable business practices were presented at the second International Conference on Sustainable Innovation in Business and Economics (SIBE 2026), hosted by British University Vietnam (BUV).

Held under the theme "Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth," the conference featured 43 research presentations and three keynote addresses, bringing together more than 120 academics, researchers and business representatives from eight countries.

Topics included artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, green production and sustainable growth. Three workshops also covered systematic literature reviews, journal publishing and the practical impact of academic research. They were led by Professor Magiswary Dorasamy and Associate Professor Lin Woon Leong from Taylor's University in Malaysia, and Linh Nguyen, Vietnam Business Manager at Emerald Publishing.

Scholars and representatives of universities and businesses from eight countries attend SIBE 2026. Photo courtesy of BUV

Research examines AI adoption and business transformation

Several studies explored the challenges of integrating AI into business operations, particularly in banking and digital services.

A case study by Vu Linh from BUV examined why AI projects at a major private retail bank in Vietnam struggled to progress from pilot stages to routine operations. The research emphasized measurable business value and organizational readiness before wider implementation.

Le Duc Phat and Le Huyen Trang from Thang Long University identified fragmented data, outdated systems and shortages of specialized personnel as barriers to AI adoption in Vietnam's commercial banking sector. They recommended phased implementation based on risk levels and clearer regulatory guidance.

In a keynote address, Aishwarya Nagarathinam from CHRIST (Deemed to be University), India, discussed the shift from conventional AI applications to generative and agentic AI systems capable of taking action. Her presentation also addressed accountability, energy consumption and AI's potential contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Other studies examined AI's influence on marketing and consumer communication. Janice Sebastian and Nurnaz Samim Hussain from CHRIST (Deemed to be University) questioned whether the dominance of English-language content and Western information sources could reduce the visibility of non-Western brands in AI-powered search results. They recommended bilingual and locally adapted content, pending empirical testing.

Tan Yin Yee and Lin Woon Leong from Taylor's University presented research based on a survey of 158 decision-makers at technology start-ups. Their study found that customer-facing marketing activities had the clearest relationship with sustainability outcomes, while strategic intentions translated into results only when businesses had the capabilities to implement them.

ESG disclosure and green technologies draw attention

Vu Chi Dzung, Director General of the Department of Legal and International Affairs at the State Securities Commission of Vietnam, delivered a keynote address on mandatory ESG disclosure in Vietnam and ASEAN.

Vu Chi Dzung, Director General of the Department of Legal and International Affairs at the State Securities Commission of Vietnam, discusses mandatory ESG disclosure at SIBE 2026. Photo courtesy of BUV

He discussed the role of reporting standards, governance frameworks and reliable data in improving corporate transparency and helping investors assess sustainability performance.

Research by Jaganath G from CHRIST (Deemed to be University), India, examined the financial risks of greenwashing, in which environmental claims do not accurately reflect business performance. The study suggested that inconsistent ESG information and inadequate verification could raise due diligence costs, weaken investor confidence and affect capital allocation.

Umberto De Vita, Marketing Director at Advance Denim, presented the company's BigBox indigo dyeing technology. Company figures showed that, compared with conventional dyeing, it reduced water consumption by 95.5%, wastewater by 99%, chemical use by 35%, gas emissions by 44.3% and electricity consumption by 25.5%. The company's Blue-Loop system was also reported to recover 98% of water and indigo dye.

Tan Yin Yee from Taylor's University, Malaysia, presents research on AI-driven green marketing among technology start-ups during the poster session at SIBE 2026. Photo courtesy of BUV

Studies highlight challenges facing smaller businesses

Several studies examined barriers to digital and green transformation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Research by Quynh Anh Nguyen and Nguyen Luu from BUV explored how government support could encourage green innovation among Vietnamese SMEs. Preliminary findings identified limited access to finance, technology and information as key obstacles. Businesses often relied on personal networks to learn about support programs, while those with greater resources were more likely to benefit.

Li Jia Ling and Shashi Chaudhary from BUV examined agile logistics adoption in the animal-feed additives industry, finding that smaller businesses faced constraints involving operational capacity, digital infrastructure and resources.

The studies highlighted the need for support mechanisms tailored to businesses' different capabilities and needs.

Across the conference, a recurring finding was that digital and green transformation requires more than new technologies or sustainability targets. Success also depends on organizational capacity, reliable data, effective governance and access to resources.

Through SIBE 2026, BUV aims to strengthen links among researchers, businesses and policymakers and encourage the practical application of research to business and sustainable development challenges.