The Board of Trustees of the Saleh Kamel Islamic Economics Award approved the themes of the first edition to reflect the most pressing and important issues in the contemporary Islamic economics field, and to encourage researchers to present original and innovative visions that respond to the transformations and challenges of the era. The themes’ selection was based on the combination between scientific depth and reality, while preserving the epistemological and legal identity of Islamic economics.
The award’s themes for the first edition are:
“The Future of Islamic Finance Industry in the Digital Age: Challenges, Risks & Aspirations -Analytical and Futuristic Study Till 2050”
Radical changes are reshaping the global financial ecosystem, propelled by rapid advancements in technology—particularly in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and financial technologies (FinTech). In this evolving landscape, the Islamic finance industry faces significant challenges regarding its capacity to adapt. Key among these are the development of innovative Shariah-compliant financial instruments, the enhancement of Shariah governance frameworks, and the alignment of financial innovation with both regulatory mandates and Shariah principles.
This edition seeks to promote original research and forward-looking studies that explore the future trajectory of the Islamic finance industry in light of ongoing transformations. It aims to highlight opportunities for innovation and development, assess potential risks, and present strategic outlooks extending to the year 2050. The scope encompasses technical, regulatory, Shariah, social, and environmental dimensions tied to the digital transformation of Islamic finance.
Suggested Writing Topics (non-exhaustive):
- The evolution of Islamic fintech and the emerging challenges ahead.
- The development of the Islamic financial engineering and money market instruments in the era of digital transformation.
- The impact of Islamic financial innovations on advancing social justice and sustainability: a descriptive or quantitative analytical approach.
- The future of Shariah governance in the context of evolving financial products: navigating the balance between innovation and adherence to Shariah principles.
- The prospects for innovation in the Islamic economy beyond 2030, including green finance, smart contracts, and technology-enabled Shariah-compliant financial assets.
These topics are intended as guiding examples; however, all submissions should align with the overarching theme of the first edition. Proposals offering new insights and diverse approaches are welcomed, provided they contribute substantively to the analysis of the Islamic financial industry’s future in the digital age.
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