Journal Press India^®

The global business environment continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological innovation, digital transformation, financial integration, and shifting patterns of international trade and investment. These developments have created new opportunities and challenges for businesses, policymakers, and researchers alike. The articles featured in this issue of FOCUS: Journal of International Business collectively explore these contemporary dynamics, offering valuable insights into emerging trends that are reshaping economies and business practices across the world.

A prominent theme running through this issue is the growing influence of digital technologies on business and economic systems. The transformative impact of digitalization is examined in the context of international trade by Evans Okemwa Achuti who investigates how digital technologies are influencing cross-border trade within Africa. The study demonstrates how e-commerce platforms, blockchain technologies, and digital payment systems are reducing transaction costs, improving efficiency, and expanding market access for small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, it draws attention to persistent barriers, including inadequate digital infrastructure, fragmented regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity risks, and limited digital capabilities. The findings underscore the importance of coordinated policy efforts to unlock the full potential of digital trade in emerging economies.

Mahabir Narwal and Himanshi present a comprehensive review of research on recommendation systems and chatbots in e-commerce through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. Their study traces the evolution of scholarly work in this domain over two decades and highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing customer engagement and personalized shopping experiences. By identifying key theoretical foundations and emerging research directions, the authors provide a useful roadmap for future investigations into technology-enabled consumer interactions.

Complementing this discussion, Archita Nayak and Kanti Paul examine the historical evolution of money from the barter system to the digital era, with particular emphasis on the Indian context. Their review highlights India’s rapid progress toward becoming one of the world’s most digitally integrated economies and discusses the growing relevance of digital currencies, including central bank digital currencies. The study also raises important concerns regarding cybersecurity and regulatory preparedness, emphasizing the need for balanced policy frameworks that promote innovation while safeguarding financial stability and inclusion.

Financial interconnectedness and risk transmission in increasingly complex markets form another important area of inquiry in this issue. Arup Bramha Mohapatra analyzes return and volatility spillovers among traditional and digital asset classes, including equity markets, commodities, exchange rates, and cryptocurrencies. The findings reveal significant linkages among these markets and identify assets that can potentially serve as hedging instruments for investors. The study contributes to a growing body of literature that seeks to understand the implications of digital assets for portfolio management and financial stability in emerging economies such as India.

The relationship between trade openness, resource utilization, and economic development is explored by Jayanthi G. and Chimi Hermann Aubin. Focusing on Cameroon and the emerging Cameroon–India economic corridor, the authors examine how trade policies and natural resource governance have influenced economic growth over time. Their analysis highlights both the opportunities and challenges associated with resource-based development and demonstrates the importance of diversification, value addition, infrastructure development, and institutional strengthening for achieving sustainable economic progress. The study offers valuable lessons for resource-rich developing economies seeking to balance growth objectives with long-term sustainability.

Foreign direct investment remains a critical driver of economic integration and development, and two contributions in this issue provide fresh perspectives on this important topic. Neha investigates whether similar determinants influence both FDI inflows and FDI stock in ASEAN countries. By incorporating governance indicators, efficiency measures, and natural resource variables alongside conventional macroeconomic factors, the study provides a more comprehensive understanding of investment attractiveness and long-term investment accumulation.

From the perspective of an outward investors to emerging markets, SH Natashana Devi and Mayengbam Lalit Singh examine the evolving patterns of India’s outward foreign direct investment. Their findings suggest a growth-led relationship between economic expansion and overseas investment, highlighting the increasing global presence of Indian multinational enterprises. The study contributes to understanding how outward investment can support competitiveness, technological advancement, and deeper integration into the global economy.

Collectively, the contributions in this issue reflect the interconnected nature of contemporary international business. Whether examining digital transformation, financial market linkages, trade openness, resource governance, or foreign investment, the studies emphasize the need for adaptive policies and innovative strategies in a rapidly changing global environment. They also demonstrate the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing complex economic challenges and opportunities across diverse geographical contexts.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the authors, reviewers, and members of the editorial board for their valuable contributions. We hope that the research presented in this issue stimulates further scholarly dialogue and provides meaningful insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers engaged in the study and practice of international business.

Prof. (Dr.) Niti Bhasin

Editor-in-chief