Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development: Advancing Social and Economic Transformations

This book explores how transparent, interpretable AI technologies can support sustainable progress across industries and societies. It brings together theoretical foundations and practical applications of explainable AI (XAI) aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering insights into its potential for responsible innovation. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how explainable AI enhances trust, ethics, and accountability in AI-driven decisions. Through diverse case studies — from banking, e-commerce, and sustainability reporting, to psychiatry, education, and energy—the book demonstrates XAI’s transformative role in driving sustainable business practices and societal well-being. Each chapter merges cutting-edge research with real-world examples, making complex AI systems more accessible and socially relevant. The book bridges gaps between disciplines, offering a holistic and actionable perspective on AI for sustainability. This book is a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and policymakers seeking to harness AI responsibly. Academics in social sciences, economics, and information systems will find a strong theoretical base, while practitioners in business, government, and NGOs gain practical tools for implementing XAI in real contexts. It is also well-suited for students, educators, and AI enthusiasts aiming to align innovation with sustainable, ethical transformation. The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.