Concepts in Smart Societies' Next Generation of Human Resources and Technologies. By Chaudhery MustansarHussain, AntonellaPetrillo and Shahid UlIslam, Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024. 376 pp. £108.75. ISBN: 9781032170343

Concepts in Smart Societies: Next generation of Human Resources and Technologies is a book that tackles the big theme of how cutting-edge technology and digital transformation will shape future society. This edited book addresses issues of importance to academics, researchers, policymakers, and professionals working in the fields of innovation, technology, and human resource management, who wish to understand the impact of “Society 5.0” a concept that places technology as a key driver of social and economic evolution. The book consists of 16 chapters divided into four main parts, each offering unique insights into the transformation toward a super-intelligent society (Society 5.0). Part one starts with an overview of the theoretical foundations of Society 5.0, including the role of technologies such as Big Data, IoT, and AI in creating a human-centered society and supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs). The section then drills down to explore cybersecurity issues, the metaverse, and the legal implications of algorithmic technology. Part two explores the role and application of—Super Smart Technologies in Different Industrial Sectors, including renewable energy, smart textiles, and OLED materials, highlighting innovations that drive sustainability and efficiency. The section is completed with a focus on the importance of digital skills and future infrastructure development. Part three focuses on the practical aspect of these changes through cases, for example, on 5G technology, metal-air batteries for wearable electronics, and the use of digital twins in smart regional planning, providing deep insight into the practical implementation of Society 5.0 concepts. Finally, the fourth section addresses the relationship between super-smart societies and sustainability, exploring a view of the future centered on technological innovation, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. One of the attractions of this book is its multidisciplinary approach that brings together technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data analytics with a focus on the deeper implications for society and sustainability. Readers are presented with an overview of how the integration of the physical and cyber worlds can create new values and solve complex social problems. The practical approach in this book is realized through case studies that highlight the challenges and opportunities in implementing smart technology in various industrial sectors. For example, chapters on the role of AI in human resource management and the contribution of digital technology to the energy sector show that this book not only presents theory but also demonstrates its practical applications. However, not without its issues, several chapters in this book tend to emphasize the advantages of technology without sufficiently exploring the risks and ethical challenges that can arise, such as data privacy and the social impact of automation. The emphasis on social implications and ethical considerations should receive greater attention to provide a more holistic perspective. In terms of relevance and timing, this book comes at the right time. With the world in a major post-pandemic transition phase, accelerating digitalization in almost all aspects of life, this book offers a useful framework for understanding these dynamics. The ideas about Society 5.0 presented in it are relevant for the formulation of policies and strategies for organizations that want to make optimal use of technology while maintaining human welfare as the main priority. Overall, Concepts in Smart Societies is a work worthy of reference for those interested in the influence of technology on the structure of society. Although it offers deep insights and is rich in references, this book needs to be considered with further exploration of the ethical and social aspects of technology adoption, so that it is more balanced in presenting a realistic view of the future of society.