Generative AI Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

The Journal of Circular Economy Innovations (JCEI) recognizes the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research, writing, analysis, and scholarly communication. This policy establishes transparent principles for the responsible, ethical, and appropriate use of generative AI technologies in manuscript preparation, peer review, editorial activities, and publication processes.

This policy applies to authors, reviewers, editors, editorial staff, and all other contributors involved in the journal’s publishing activities. The purpose of this policy is to protect research integrity, maintain academic accountability, and ensure that the use of AI technologies supports scholarly work without replacing human intellectual responsibility.

2. Principles of Responsible AI Use

JCEI supports the responsible use of generative AI tools when such technologies are used to improve research workflows, language quality, accessibility, and productivity. However, AI tools must not compromise originality, accuracy, transparency, authorship responsibility, or ethical standards.

The use of generative AI should follow the principles of:

  • Transparency: Authors and contributors must disclose the appropriate use of generative AI tools where such use has influenced manuscript preparation or research activities.

  • Human Accountability: Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, ethical compliance, and integrity of all submitted content.

  • Research Integrity: AI-generated information must be critically evaluated and verified before inclusion in scholarly manuscripts.

  • Confidentiality: Sensitive research information, unpublished manuscripts, reviewer reports, or confidential editorial materials must not be uploaded to publicly available AI systems.

3. Use of Generative AI by Authors

Authors may use generative AI tools for limited and appropriate purposes, including:

  • Improving language clarity, grammar, and readability.

  • Assisting with formatting or organization of manuscript sections.

  • Supporting brainstorming or preliminary research planning.

  • Helping identify relevant terminology or improve communication quality.

Authors must carefully review and verify all AI-assisted content before submission. Authors are responsible for ensuring that manuscripts accurately represent their own research contributions and scientific interpretations.

4. Prohibited Uses of Generative AI

Generative AI tools must not be used to:

  • Generate fabricated research data, results, images, references, or scientific evidence.

  • Create false citations or inaccurate bibliographic information.

  • Replace original scholarly analysis, interpretation, or critical evaluation.

  • Produce manuscripts or substantial sections without meaningful author contribution and intellectual oversight.

  • Manipulate images, figures, or research outputs in a misleading manner.

  • Conceal the use of AI tools when disclosure is required.

Any manuscript containing misleading or unethical AI-generated material may be rejected or subject to corrective action after publication.

5. Disclosure of Generative AI Use

Authors should disclose the use of generative AI tools when such tools have contributed significantly to manuscript preparation, analysis, or presentation.

The disclosure should include:

  • Name of the AI tool or system used.

  • Purpose for which the tool was used.

  • Description of the extent of AI assistance.

A suitable disclosure statement may be included in the manuscript:

"The authors acknowledge the use of a generative artificial intelligence tool for language improvement and/or manuscript preparation support. The authors have reviewed and verified all content and remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the published work."

Routine use of standard spelling, grammar, or reference-management software does not normally require disclosure unless it involves generative AI-based content creation.

6. Authorship and Generative AI

Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors, co-authors, or contributors of published manuscripts. Authorship requires substantial intellectual contributions, responsibility for the research, approval of the final manuscript, and accountability for the published content.

Human authors must:

  • Take responsibility for the submitted work.

  • Ensure the originality and accuracy of the manuscript.

  • Address ethical requirements related to research and publication.

7. Use of AI by Reviewers

Reviewers must maintain confidentiality and protect unpublished manuscript information during peer review.

Reviewers must not upload manuscripts, reviewer comments, research data, or confidential editorial materials into external generative AI systems without explicit authorization from the journal.

AI tools may only be used by reviewers for limited assistance, such as language support, provided that confidentiality, independent judgement, and reviewer responsibility are maintained.

8. Use of AI by Editors and Editorial Staff

Editors and editorial staff may use appropriate technological tools to support administrative and publishing processes. However, editorial decisions must always be based on independent academic judgement and established journal policies.

Editors must ensure that:

  • Confidential manuscript information is protected.

  • AI tools do not replace editorial evaluation.

  • Decisions regarding acceptance, revision, or rejection remain the responsibility of qualified human editors.

9. Research Integrity and Misconduct

The journal considers the misuse of generative AI tools that results in fabricated content, plagiarism, manipulated data, false references, or misleading scientific communication as a violation of publication ethics.

Suspected misuse of AI may be investigated according to the journal’s publication ethics procedures. Appropriate actions may include manuscript rejection, publication correction, retraction, or notification to relevant institutions where necessary.

10. Continuous Review of the Policy

Generative AI technologies are developing rapidly. JCEI will periodically review and update this policy to reflect developments in scholarly publishing standards, research integrity practices, and responsible technology use.

The journal encourages authors, reviewers, and editors to adopt transparent and ethical approaches while using emerging technologies in academic publishing.