Artificial Intelligence and Social Development: Cross-, Multi-, Inter- and Transdisciplinary Perspectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from isolated experimental environments into the foundational infrastructure of education, healthcare, labor markets, public administration, and cultural life. Consequently, its relationship with social development has evolved into a critical determinant of collective welfare rather than a narrow metric of technical performance. This call for papers delineates the rationale, methodological selection framework, and thematic structure of an upcoming special issue of the International Journal of Transdisciplinary Studies dedicated to this paradigm. Utilizing a structured literature scoping protocol, we identify seven core themes: equity and justice; work and livelihoods; education, knowledge, and culture; health and care; governance and democracy; environment and sustainability; and theory and method. We contend that analyzing these domains requires rigorous cross-, multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary inquiry. This document outlines the issue's strategic objectives, expected theoretical and practical contributions, and the editorial timeline.