Keynote Speakers

Dr. Raian Ali

Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar

Title: Technology and Human Behaviour in the Age of AI: Where Psychology Meets Design

Abstract: This talk reviews the speaker’s work in Technology and Human Behaviour, with a special focus on recent advances in AI. Case studies from social media addiction, misinformation, cyber security and online gaming will be presented. The speaker will discuss their latest research on AI’s impact on human attitudes and its potential addictive features. This interdisciplinary talk integrates psychological theories and models that underpin the research and interpret the results. It also highlights the need for cultural sensitivities and cross-cultural comparisons, drawing from recent studies conducted by the speaker.

Bio: Dr. Raian Ali is a Professor and UNESCO Chair in Digital Technologies and Human Behaviour, and a Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University, UK, and the Education University of Hong Kong. He earned his PhD from the University of Trento, Italy, in 2010, and has held academic positions at the University of Limerick, Ireland, and Bournemouth University. His first degree is from Latakia University (formerly Tishreen University), Syria. Raian’s research focuses on the intersection of Technology and Human Behaviour, addressing topics such as digital addiction, responsible technology use, and the impact of technology design on human well-being. He serves on the Steering Committee of the Persuasive Technology Society and the Behavioural and Social Computing Conference, and sits on the editorial boards of leading journals including Behaviour and Information Technology, Journal of Responsible Technology, and Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence. He currently leads the $3.8 million Cluster on Digital Citizenship in Qatar, overseeing six projects, more than 15 national and international partners, and a team of over 50 personnel. Raian also provides consultancy at both national and international levels.

Prof. Marinos Themistocleous

University of Nicosia

Title: Digital Innovation and Neo-Entrepreneurship

Abstract: This talk explores the rapidly evolving landscape of digital innovation and neo-entrepreneurship, highlighting a fundamental paradigm shift driven by emerging technologies. It explores how technology-enabled business models are disrupting traditional industries through platform economies, decentralization, and user-driven ecosystems. A key focus is the exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence, whose increasing capabilities and declining costs are positioning it as a central force in shaping markets and guiding strategic decisions. The discussion further expands into innovations across blockchain, the token economy, immersive digital worlds, and gaming sectors that are redefining consumer behavior and transforming how economic value is created and exchanged. The talk concludes by emphasizing that in today’s fast-changing environment, innovation is not optional; embracing disruption is now a strategic imperative for long-term resilience, competitiveness, and growth.

Bio: Professor Marinos Themistocleous is currently the Associate Dean of the School of Business, Director at the Institute For Future (IFF), and the scientific coordinator of the world-leading MSc program in Metaverse at the University of Nicosia. Prior to his tenure at the University of Nicosia, he worked at Brunel University in London and the University of Piraeus in Greece. He has also held visiting positions at Bocconi University in Milan and IE University in Madrid. From 2019 to 2021, he was a member of the Parallel Parliament of Cyprus and served as president of the Digital Economy and Digital Governance Committee. Marinos is a highly regarded advisor and consultant, collaborating with numerous organizations in the EU, UK, USA and UAE in fields like blockchain, Metaverse, digital transformation and integration, e-health, e-business and e-government. His current work focuses on blockchain technology and its applications, NFTs, real world asset tokenization and Metaverse applications. Prof. Themistocleous is a highly productive writer, he has authored over 175 refereed journal and conference articles, 9 books, and has been recognized with citations and awards of excellence. His research has attracted funding from various sources. Marinos is an active member of the editorial boards of several academic journals and conferences. In the past, he served as the managing editor of the prestigious European Journal of Information Systems (EJIS). He has also co-chaired premium conferences in IS like the European Conference on Information Systems in 2024.