Social Sustainability and Advanced Technology Applications in Business: Discussing AI and Blockchain Innovations Within Business Education

The application and innovation of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) or blockchain, in business may create both positive and negative impacts on various industries and broader society. This chapter is designed to support informed and critical in-class discussions on the social sustainability challenges that advanced technology applications in business may solve or produce. In particular, we overview a number of issues centering around Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), in the context of various AI and blockchain applications and innovations in business. We also introduce three provocative class discussion settings that can help to present the complex concepts that we review in an approachable and engaging way for learners in business studies. The overview of social-sustainability-related complexities within the context of advanced technology applications and innovations in business, provided in this chapter, can support educators in leading meaningful discussions that go beyond mere excitement about the ongoing technological developments in business and the wider society. Thus, in addition to enabling the implementation of the above-mentioned SDGs, the chapter also aims to empower inclusive development of the digital knowledge and skills necessary for the success of (future) business leaders.