Policy on the Use of Generative AI (GenAI)

The Journal of Global Economy (JGE) recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and other AI-assisted technologies can support researchers, authors, editors, and reviewers in a variety of legitimate ways.

At the same time, the use of such technologies raises important questions concerning accuracy, originality, attribution, confidentiality, intellectual responsibility, and research integrity.

JGE therefore permits responsible use of AI-assisted technologies while maintaining the principle that human authors, editors, and reviewers remain fully responsible for their work and decisions.

1. General Principle

Generative AI tools may be used as an assistance tool in research and scholarly communication, provided that their use does not compromise:

  • originality and academic integrity;
  • accuracy of the research;
  • proper attribution and citation;
  • confidentiality;
  • copyright and intellectual property;
  • research ethics; or
  • the integrity of the peer-review and editorial process.

The use of AI does not transfer responsibility from the human researcher, author, reviewer, or editor to the AI system.

2. AI Cannot Be an Author

Generative AI tools, including large language models and chatbots, cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of a manuscript submitted to JGE.

Authorship carries responsibility and accountability for the accuracy, originality, integrity, and ethical conduct of published work. AI systems cannot accept these responsibilities.

All persons listed as authors must meet the journal's authorship requirements and remain responsible for the submitted work.

3. Permitted Uses of AI

Authors may use AI-assisted tools for legitimate purposes such as:

  • improving grammar, spelling, and language;
  • improving clarity and readability;
  • translating or assisting with language;
  • brainstorming or organizing ideas;
  • assisting with coding or programming;
  • assisting with data-analysis procedures;
  • generating preliminary summaries or outlines; and
  • other appropriate research-support activities.

However, authors must independently verify all AI-generated or AI-assisted content before submission.

AI output may contain factual errors, fabricated references, inappropriate interpretations, bias, or other inaccuracies. Authors are responsible for identifying and correcting such problems. 

4. Disclosure of AI Use by Authors

Authors should disclose substantive use of AI-assisted technologies in preparing a manuscript.

The disclosure should identify:

  • the AI tool or system used;
  • the general purpose for which it was used; and
  • where appropriate, the part of the research or manuscript in which it was used.

For example, where AI has been used substantially for writing assistance, authors may provide a statement in the Acknowledgements or other appropriate section of the manuscript.

Where AI has been used for data analysis, coding, generation of figures, or other substantive research activities, the use should be described in the relevant Methods or Research Methodology section.

This approach is consistent with current scholarly guidance, which emphasizes transparency concerning how AI-assisted technologies have contributed to submitted work.

5. Limited Language Assistance

Routine use of AI tools for minor language correction, spelling, grammar, or formatting assistance does not normally require an extensive description.

However, authors remain responsible for the final text and should ensure that such assistance has not changed the meaning, interpretation, or intellectual content of their work.

Where AI has made a substantial contribution to rewriting or generating the manuscript, the use should be disclosed.

6. Accuracy, Originality and Attribution

Authors must carefully verify AI-generated material before submission.

In particular, authors should verify:

  • factual statements;
  • statistical or analytical claims;
  • quotations;
  • references and bibliographic information;
  • interpretation of research findings;
  • mathematical or technical content; and
  • material derived from other sources.

AI-generated references should never be assumed to be genuine or accurate without verification.

Authors remain responsible for ensuring that AI-assisted content does not contain plagiarism or improperly reproduced material and that all sources are appropriately acknowledged.

7. AI and Research Data

AI tools may be used in connection with research data only where such use is appropriate and ethically permissible.

Authors remain responsible for:

  • the quality and integrity of the data;
  • the validity of analytical procedures;
  • interpretation of results;
  • protection of confidential or personal information; and
  • compliance with applicable research and data-protection requirements.

AI-generated analysis should not be accepted uncritically as evidence.

8. Confidentiality and Peer Review

Manuscripts submitted to JGE, together with reviewer reports and editorial correspondence, are confidential.

Authors, reviewers, editors, and editorial staff must not upload confidential manuscripts or peer-review material to external AI systems where confidentiality cannot be assured.

In particular, reviewers must not submit an entire manuscript or confidential portions of a manuscript to an AI tool for the purpose of generating a review unless the journal has expressly permitted such use and confidentiality can be assured.

This restriction is important because manuscripts submitted for peer review are confidential communications between authors and the journal. Current scholarly guidance specifically warns against uploading submitted manuscripts to AI systems where confidentiality cannot be assured. 

9. AI Use by Reviewers

Reviewers remain personally responsible for the confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of their reviews.

Reviewers should not use generative AI to evaluate a confidential manuscript unless such use is expressly permitted by JGE and the confidentiality of the manuscript can be adequately protected.

If permitted AI assistance is used, the reviewer should disclose its use to the journal.

AI-generated comments or recommendations must not replace the reviewer's own expert assessment.

10. AI Use by Editors

Editors may use appropriate AI-assisted tools for limited administrative or language-support purposes where confidentiality and data protection can be assured.

Editors must not upload confidential manuscripts, reviewer reports, or other sensitive editorial material to external AI systems where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Editorial decisions concerning acceptance, revision, rejection, correction, or retraction remain the responsibility of the Editor and must not be delegated to an AI system.

11. AI-Generated Images, Tables and Other Content

Where AI is used to generate images, tables, diagrams, code, or other substantive content included in a manuscript, authors should disclose the use where appropriate and ensure that the material is accurate, original, legally permissible, and properly attributed.

Authors are responsible for obtaining any permissions that may be required and for ensuring that AI-generated content does not infringe copyright or other rights.

12. Prohibited or Unacceptable Use

The following uses of AI are not acceptable:

  • listing an AI system as an author or co-author;
  • presenting substantially AI-generated material as entirely original human scholarship without appropriate disclosure;
  • using AI to fabricate data, results, references, quotations, or sources;
  • using AI to manipulate or falsify research findings;
  • using AI to create misleading or deceptive research content;
  • uploading confidential manuscripts or peer-review material to systems where confidentiality cannot be assured; or
  • using AI in a manner that violates research ethics, copyright, privacy, or other applicable requirements.

13. Editorial Assessment of Undisclosed AI Use

Where the journal has reasonable concerns that AI has been used in a manner inconsistent with this policy, the Editor may request clarification or disclosure from the authors.

Undisclosed substantive use of AI may require corrective action where it affects the transparency, integrity, or reliability of the publication.

The journal will assess each case on its individual circumstances rather than relying solely on AI-detection software or automated indicators.

14. Human Responsibility

The fundamental principle of this policy is that AI assistance does not transfer scholarly responsibility to the AI system.

Authors remain responsible for the originality, accuracy, integrity, and ethical compliance of their manuscripts.

Reviewers remain responsible for the confidentiality and quality of their reviews.

Editors remain responsible for editorial decisions and the integrity of the publication process.