Reviewers play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality, integrity, and scholarly impact of the International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Economy (IJITE). The peer review process relies on their expertise and dedication to ensure that only high-quality research is published. Below are the responsibilities, guidelines, and benefits for reviewers of IJITE.

RS Global publisher strongly recommends that our reviewers follow the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers to ensure the highest ethical standards in the review process.

1. Responsibilities of Reviewers

1.1 Evaluating Manuscripts

• Content Quality: Reviewers are responsible for evaluating the overall quality and significance of the manuscript, assessing whether the research contributes new knowledge, the methodology is sound, and the conclusions are supported by the data presented.
• Originality: Manuscripts must be original contributions to the fields of technology and economy. Reviewers should identify any part of the manuscript lacking originality or previously published elsewhere.
• Clarity and Organization: Reviewers assess the clarity of the manuscript’s writing and organization, ensuring that the research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions are well-presented and easy to follow.
• Ethical Standards: Reviewers ensure that ethical standards have been adhered to, especially in research involving human or animal subjects. Any concerns regarding unethical research practices or plagiarism should be reported to the editors.

1.2 Providing Constructive Feedback

• Detailed Comments: Reviewers are expected to provide detailed, constructive feedback to help authors improve the quality of their manuscript, offering suggestions to clarify arguments, improve methodologies, or strengthen the discussion.
• Tone and Professionalism: Feedback should be delivered respectfully and professionally, even if significant revisions or rejections are recommended, to help authors enhance their work effectively.

1.3 Ensuring Confidentiality

• Confidentiality of the Review Process: Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of the peer review process, not sharing or discussing manuscripts with anyone outside the editorial team without permission. Unpublished information from the manuscript should not be used for personal research purposes.

2. Peer Review Guidelines

2.1 The Double-Blind Review Process

• Anonymity: IJITE follows a double-blind peer review process. The identities of both reviewers and authors are kept anonymous to ensure impartiality. Reviewers should avoid revealing their identity in comments or suggestions.
• Review Timeline: The journal operates on a strict timeline for timely publication. Reviewers are typically given two weeks to complete the review. If an extension is needed, reviewers should inform the editorial office promptly.
• Recommendation Categories: Reviewers are asked to recommend one of the following actions:
• Accept: The manuscript is ready for publication with no or very minor revisions.
• Minor Revisions: The manuscript requires small changes that the authors can address in a short timeframe.
• Major Revisions: Substantial revisions are required, and the manuscript should be re-evaluated after changes are made.
• Reject: The manuscript does not meet the quality or relevance standards for IJITE and should not be published.

2.2 Ethical Considerations for Reviewers

• Following COPE Guidelines: RS Global strongly recommends that all reviewers follow the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers. These guidelines outline best practices for maintaining objectivity, confidentiality, and transparency in the review process.
• Conflict of Interest: Reviewers should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect their ability to provide an unbiased review. If a conflict exists, reviewers should recuse themselves to ensure fairness.
• Plagiarism and Research Misconduct: If reviewers identify any form of plagiarism or unethical practices, they should notify the editor immediately. It is the reviewers' responsibility to help uphold the journal’s ethical standards.

3. Reviewer Benefits

3.1 Free Publication Opportunity

• Reviewers receive a full waiver of the Article Processing Charge (APC) for one article they submit to IJITE within a one-calendar-year period. This benefit allows reviewers to publish their research in the journal at no cost, enabling them to share their work with a global audience.

3.2 Professional Development

• Building Expertise: Reviewing for IJITE offers a valuable opportunity to stay updated on the latest research and methodologies in technology and economy, helping reviewers sharpen critical analysis skills and gain experience in academic evaluation.
• Networking Opportunities: Participation in the peer review process allows reviewers to engage with leading researchers in the field, potentially leading to future collaborations or involvement in special issues within the journal.

3.3 Acknowledgment and Recognition

• Annual Recognition: The journal acknowledges the contributions of its reviewers by including them in an annual report and on the journal’s website, recognizing their essential role in ensuring the journal’s quality and integrity.
• Certificates of Contribution: Upon request, reviewers can receive a certificate that acknowledges their contribution to IJITE. This certificate serves as an official record of their participation and can be added to professional portfolios.

4. The Importance of Reviewers

Reviewers are essential in maintaining the quality and academic integrity of IJITE. Their expertise and constructive feedback help shape the journal’s content, ensuring that only the most relevant and high-quality research is published. By participating in the peer review process, reviewers contribute to advancing knowledge in the fields of technology and economy, supporting their own professional growth as scholars and experts.