Publishing Ethics

The EuroMid Journal of Business and Tech-Innovation (EJBTI) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics, academic integrity, and transparency. The journal adheres to the guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and follows the COPE Core Practices. EJBTI expects editors, reviewers, authors, and the publisher to uphold the highest ethical standards throughout the publication process.

1. General Statement

EJBTI publishes original, high-quality scholarly research in the fields of business, technology, accounting, finance, economics, management, innovation, sustainability, and governance. Submitted manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration by another journal or publisher.

All submissions undergo a rigorous double-anonymous peer-review process and are evaluated solely on their scholarly merit, originality, methodological quality, significance, ethical compliance, and relevance to the journal’s aims and scope.

The journal is committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, confidentiality, and integrity throughout the editorial and publication process.

2. Duties of Editors

Editors are responsible for maintaining the quality and integrity of the journal and shall:

  • Make publication decisions solely on the basis of academic merit, originality, methodological rigor, ethical standards, and relevance to the journal’s scope.
  • Treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential documents.
  • Ensure a fair, unbiased, and timely peer-review process.
  • Avoid discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, political beliefs, institutional affiliation, or commercial considerations.
  • Recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where a conflict of interest exists.
  • Follow the COPE Flowcharts when investigating allegations of publication misconduct, including plagiarism, duplicate publication, data fabrication, data falsification, citation manipulation, authorship disputes, and unethical research practices.

  • Editors maintain full editorial independence from the publisher and base all editorial decisions exclusively on scholarly merit and ethical considerations.

  • Editors shall take reasonable steps to identify research misconduct, protect the confidentiality of the review process, and safeguard the integrity of the scholarly record.

3. Duties of Reviewers

Peer reviewers play a vital role in maintaining the scholarly quality of the journal. Reviewers are expected to:

  • Provide objective, constructive, and evidence-based evaluations.
  • Treat manuscripts as confidential documents.
  • Complete reviews within the agreed timeframe whenever possible.
  • Identify relevant published work that has not been cited.
  • Report suspected plagiarism, duplicate publication, image manipulation, or other ethical concerns.
  • Declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest and decline the review where appropriate.
  • Refrain from using unpublished information obtained through peer review for personal advantage.
  • Reviewers should not upload confidential manuscripts to publicly accessible generative AI systems or use AI tools in ways that compromise manuscript confidentiality. Any permitted AI-assisted use must comply with the journal's confidentiality requirements and editorial policies.

4. Duties of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to EJBTI must:

  • Submit only original work that has not been published or submitted elsewhere.
  • Properly acknowledge and cite the work of others.
  • Ensure that all listed authors have made significant scholarly contributions and approve the final manuscript.
  • Accurately present research methods, results, and conclusions without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation.
  • Disclose all funding sources and any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest.
  • Cooperate with editors if corrections, clarifications, or retractions become necessary after publication.
  • Obtain all necessary ethical approvals and informed consent where applicable.

5. Publisher Responsibilities

EuroMid Press, as the publisher of EJBTI, supports the journal’s editorial operations while respecting the complete editorial independence of the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board.

The publisher:

  • Does not influence editorial or peer-review decisions.
  • Ensures the long-term preservation, accessibility, and dissemination of published content.
  • Supports editors, reviewers, and authors in resolving ethical issues.
  • Facilitates corrections, retractions, and other post-publication updates where appropriate.
  • Maintains high standards of publication ethics in accordance with internationally recognized best practices.
  • The publisher is committed to preserving editorial independence and does not interfere with editorial decisions, peer-review outcomes, or publication recommendations. Commercial interests, sponsorship, advertising, or financial considerations never influence editorial decision-making.

Advertising, sponsorship, financial considerations, or commercial interests have no influence on editorial decisions.

6. Artificial Intelligence Policy

Authors must disclose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including generative AI technologies, in the preparation of their manuscripts. Any use of AI should be transparently reported in the manuscript (e.g., in the Methods, Acknowledgements, or a dedicated disclosure statement, as appropriate).

AI-assisted tools may be used to improve language, grammar, readability, formatting, or translation under appropriate human oversight. However, AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors because they cannot meet the requirements for authorship or assume responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, originality, accountability, or ethical conduct of scholarly work.

Authors remain fully responsible for all aspects of the submitted manuscript, regardless of whether AI-assisted technologies were used. This responsibility includes verifying the accuracy, originality, completeness, validity, and integrity of the text, data, analyses, interpretations, figures, tables, references, citations, conclusions, and all other content submitted for publication.

Artificial intelligence tools must not be used to generate, fabricate, falsify, manipulate, or misrepresent research data, experimental results, images, figures, tables, citations, references, peer-review reports, ethical approval documents, informed consent documentation, author identities, reviewer identities, or any other information that could compromise the integrity of the scholarly record.

The use of AI to deceive editors, reviewers, or readers, including the creation of fabricated manuscripts, paper-mill content, manipulated images, fake citations, or fraudulent peer-review materials, constitutes serious publication misconduct and will be handled in accordance with the journal's publication ethics policies and the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

The journal reserves the right to request additional information regarding the use of AI-assisted technologies at any stage of the editorial, peer-review, or publication process. Failure to disclose the use of AI where required, or misuse of AI in a manner that compromises research integrity, may result in manuscript rejection, withdrawal, correction, retraction, notification of the authors' institutions, or other appropriate actions in accordance with COPE guidance.

7. Data Availability

Authors are encouraged to make the research data supporting their findings publicly available whenever possible.

Each manuscript should include a Data Availability Statement indicating:

  • where the supporting data can be accessed; or
  • why the data cannot be shared, where applicable.

Editors may request access to underlying research data during peer review or after publication when necessary to verify the accuracy, validity, or integrity of the research.

8. COPE Compliance

EJBTI follows the principles outlined in the COPE Core Practices, including:

  • Authorship and contributorship
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Peer review
  • Research integrity
  • Data and reproducibility
  • Publication ethics
  • Journal management
  • Post-publication discussions and corrections
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

9. Allegations of Misconduct

The journal takes all allegations of publication misconduct seriously.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Plagiarism
  • Duplicate or redundant publication
  • Data fabrication or falsification
  • Image manipulation
  • Citation manipulation
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest
  • Authorship disputes
  • Unethical research involving human participants or animals
  • Manipulation of the peer-review process
  • Submission of fabricated or AI-generated references

Allegations should be submitted by email to the Editor-in-Chief. If the allegation concerns the Editor-in-Chief, it should be addressed to the Journal Editorial Office.

All allegations will be handled confidentially and investigated in accordance with the COPE Flowcharts. Wherever possible, a final decision will be communicated within four weeks. Where additional time is required, an interim update will be provided.

All confirmed cases of publication misconduct and any resulting editorial actions will be documented and retained as part of the journal’s editorial records.

10. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

The EuroMid Journal of Business and Tech-Innovation (EJBTI) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the scholarly record.

If significant errors, research integrity concerns, or ethical issues are identified before or after publication, the journal may take appropriate corrective action, including the publication of:

  • Corrections
  • Errata or Corrigenda
  • Retractions
  • Expressions of Concern

Editorial decisions regarding post-publication amendments are made in accordance with the recommendations and guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and, where applicable, other recognized publishing best practices.

All correction, retraction, and expression of concern notices will be clearly identified, dated, freely accessible, and permanently linked to the original article. Retracted articles will normally remain available online with a clear retraction notice to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record, unless removal is required for legal, privacy, or exceptional ethical reasons.

The journal maintains a transparent Version of Record. Any post-publication updates will be clearly identified, permanently linked to the original article, and fully documented to ensure the accuracy, transparency, and permanence of the published record.

11. Complaints and Appeals

Complaints

Complaints relating to editorial processes, peer review, publication ethics, staff conduct, or publication decisions should be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief.

Complaints involving the Editor-in-Chief should be addressed to the Journal Editorial Office or an independent representative designated by EuroMid Press.

All complaints will be handled confidentially, impartially, and in accordance with COPE guidance.

Appeals

Authors may appeal an editorial decision where they believe that the decision resulted from a significant technical misunderstanding, factual error, procedural irregularity, or misinterpretation of the manuscript’s scholarly contribution.

Appeals must:

  • be submitted by the corresponding author;
  • include the manuscript reference number;
  • clearly identify the grounds for the appeal; and
  • provide a detailed, evidence-based justification.

Appeals based only on disagreement with reviewers’ opinions, without substantial evidence, will not normally be considered.

The appeal will be reviewed by an editor who was not directly involved in the original decision whenever practicable. The outcome of the appeal will be final.

12. Research Involving Human Participants or Animals

Although EJBTI primarily publishes research in business and related disciplines, some submissions may involve human participants or animal subjects.

Such research must comply with all applicable institutional, national, and international ethical requirements.

Where applicable, authors must:

  • obtain approval or exemption from an appropriate Ethics Committee or Institutional Review Board;
  • state the name of the approving body and approval reference number in the manuscript;
  • confirm that informed consent was obtained from participants;
  • protect participant privacy, dignity, and confidentiality;
  • avoid publishing identifiable information without explicit written consent; and
  • comply with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Research involving animals must follow applicable institutional, national, and international standards for the ethical care and use of animals in research.

13. Image Manipulation

Authors must not manipulate images in a manner that could misrepresent, obscure, enhance, remove, or falsify research findings.

Adjustments to brightness, contrast, or colour balance are acceptable only when applied to the entire image and when they do not distort the original information.

The journal may request original, unprocessed image files during peer review or after publication. Inappropriate image manipulation may result in rejection, correction, retraction, or further investigation.

14. Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, editors, and editorial board members must disclose any financial, personal, institutional, professional, or other relationships that could reasonably be perceived as influencing their work or judgment.

Authors must include a conflict-of-interest statement in the manuscript, even where no conflict exists.

Reviewers and editors must decline involvement in a manuscript where a conflict of interest may compromise, or appear to compromise, their impartiality.

15. Authorship and Contributorship

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made substantial scholarly contributions to the conception, design, execution, analysis, interpretation, or preparation of the research.

All authors must:

  • approve the final version of the manuscript;
  • agree to its submission and publication;
  • accept accountability for their contributions; and
  • cooperate in resolving questions concerning the accuracy or integrity of the work.

Individuals who contributed to the work but do not meet the criteria for authorship should be acknowledged appropriately.

Changes to authorship after submission require the written agreement of all authors and approval from the Editor-in-Chief.

16. Plagiarism and Duplicate Publication

Plagiarism, self-plagiarism, duplicate publication, redundant publication, inappropriate text recycling, unattributed use of published or unpublished material, the submission of manuscripts originating from paper mills, fabricated references, and other deceptive publication practices constitute serious breaches of publication ethics and will not be tolerated by the EuroMid Journal of Business and Tech-Innovation (EJBTI).

All submitted manuscripts are screened using professional plagiarism-detection software before peer review and may be re-screened following revision and immediately prior to publication. Similarity reports are evaluated by the editors, who consider the nature, extent, context, and appropriate attribution of any overlapping material rather than relying solely on similarity percentages.

The identification of textual overlap does not automatically constitute research misconduct. Each case is assessed individually in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidance, taking into account the source, significance, context, attribution, and potential impact of the overlap on the integrity of the scholarly record.

Where plagiarism or other forms of publication misconduct are confirmed, the journal may take appropriate editorial action, including rejection of the manuscript, withdrawal of an accepted manuscript, publication of a correction or retraction, notification of the authors' institution(s) or funding body where appropriate, temporary restriction of future submissions, or any other action considered necessary in accordance with COPE recommendations.

17. Paper Mills and Fraudulent Research

EJBTI has zero tolerance for manuscripts produced through paper mills, purchased authorship, fabricated research, manipulated peer review, or any organized attempts to deceive the scholarly publishing process.

The journal reserves the right to request raw data, ethics approvals, institutional confirmation, author contribution statements, funding documentation, and other supporting information where concerns regarding research integrity arise.

Confirmed paper mill submissions will be rejected or retracted, and the journal may notify the authors’ institutions, funding bodies, or other relevant organizations where appropriate.

18. Confidentiality

Editors, reviewers, editorial staff, and other individuals involved in the publication process must treat submitted manuscripts, reviewer reports, correspondence, and related information as confidential.

Unpublished information obtained through the editorial process must not be disclosed or used for personal, professional, or commercial advantage.

19. Post-Publication Discussion

EJBTI welcomes responsible post-publication discussion, including scholarly comments, correspondence, and well-supported concerns regarding published articles.

Where appropriate, authors will be given an opportunity to respond. The journal may publish corrections, responses, retractions, or expressions of concern when necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

20. Commitment to Ethical Publishing

EJBTI is dedicated to promoting responsible research, editorial transparency, and ethical scholarly communication. The journal reviews and updates its policies to reflect evolving international best practices and recommendations issued by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

These policies are intended to preserve the integrity, reliability, accessibility, and long-term value of the published scholarly record.

21. ORCID iD

EJBTI strongly encourages all authors to register for an ORCID iD (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) and provide it during manuscript submission. ORCID provides a persistent digital identifier that uniquely distinguishes researchers and improves author attribution, transparency, interoperability, and discoverability of scholarly publications. Although not currently mandatory, authors are encouraged to link their ORCID iD to their manuscript to facilitate accurate identification of their scholarly work.

22. Sanctions for Ethical Misconduct

Where publication misconduct is confirmed, the journal may take one or more of the following actions:

  • reject the manuscript;
  • withdraw an accepted manuscript;
  • publish a correction or retraction;
  • publish an expression of concern;
  • notify the authors' institution(s);
  • notify funding organizations where appropriate;
  • temporarily prohibit future submissions from responsible authors;
  • report serious cases to relevant professional or regulatory bodies where required.