Smart Designs for Business Innovation: Proceedings of the 3rd American University in the Emirates International Research Conference, Aueirc’20--Dubai,

This book, and the papers published within it, delves into the topic of governance in a modern, digital age, deliberating upon digital finance, societal security, and digital governance, proving essential to governmental institutions, policymakers, economists, and finally, social educators. The formation of a prosperous and resilient society is, without a doubt, a daunting, monumental task. Addressing people’s needs, maintaining their well-being, ensuring safety from external threats, and implementing a just law system that covers contemporary ways of life are no simple task. Thankfully, the advent of technological advancement helps lighten the heavy burden of governance. The element of interconnectedness brought forward by technological innovation has bridged the gap between society and government, allowing for faster interactions through the digitalization of naturally bureaucratic processes, and the utilization of digital finances.

Professor Asma Salman is a blockchain developer and a professor of Finance at the American University in the Emirates, UAE. An honorary global advisor at Global Academy of Finance & Management, USA, she completed her M.B.A. in Finance & Accounting and earned a Ph.D. in Finance from an AACSB and AMBA accredited, School of Management at Harbin Institute of Technology, China. Her research credentials include a one-year residency at the Brunel Business School at Brunel University, UK. Prof. Salman also served as the Dubai cohort supervisor for D.B.A. students under the Nottingham Business School, UK, for 7 years and is currently a PhD supervisor at the University of Northampton, UK, where she is affiliated as a visiting fellow. Prof. Asma has been actively engaged in scientific research and has published impactful articles in International Journals & Conferences and has edited Books under her name. Handling editor and board member at Journals of high repute and international bibliography, one of her recent articles on ＂Bitcoin and Blockchain＂ has gained wide visibility across the world. She holds various professional certifications including Certified International Tax Analyst - CITA & Chartered Fintech Professional - ChFP from GAFM (USA), Certified Financial Manager - CFM from ICCA (USA), and Women in Leadership and Management in Higher Education, from ACU, (UK). She also recently won the award for ＂Blockchain professional of the Year＂ by Berkley Middle East. Others include Women Leadership Impact Award by H.E First Lady of Armenia, AUE Research Excellence Awards, and the Global Inspirational Women Leadership Award by H.H Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum.

Prof. Assem Tharwat earned his master’s degree in mathematical statistics, his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Cairo University, Egypt, and his Ph.D. in Operations Research from Charles University, Czech Republic. He accumulated more than 35 years of academic experience in different universities in both the public and privet sectors in Egypt and in UAE. He taught both basic and advanced courses in many fields in Operations Research and Management Sciences. Prof. Assem supervised about forty Ph.D. and M.Sc. theses during the past 20 years, and he published more than 80 articles in international/national journals and conferences. In addition, he accumulated more than ten years’ experience in the accreditation field in Egypt and UAE. Prof. Assem has extensive experience in the academic positions for more than 15 years, and he served as a dean between 2011 and 2013 in CIC, Egypt, and between 2017 and 2019 and from April 2020 till December 2021 at the College of Business Administration at AUE, UAE. He currently serves as the Vice President for Research at AUE.