Peer Review Policy

Last Updated: 07/05/2026

The Journal of Sustainable Innovation and Impact (JSII), ISSN 3051-8083, operates a single-blind peer review process to support fairness, rigor, and editorial transparency. Reviewer identities remain confidential, while reviewers may have access to author information during the review process. Manuscripts are normally evaluated by at least two independent reviewers before an editorial decision is made.

1. Editorial Assessment

  • Scope & quality check: The Editorial Office screens submissions for fit with Aims & Scope, basic quality, ethics, and formatting compliance.
  • Desk decision: Manuscripts may be returned without review if out of scope, non-compliant, or insufficiently developed.

2. Reviewer Selection & Invitation

  • Reviewers are chosen for subject expertise, independence, and absence of conflicts of interest.
  • Invited reviewers are asked to accept or decline the review invitation before accessing the manuscript files.

3. Review Standards & Criteria

Reviewers assess manuscripts on:

  • Originality and contribution
  • Methodological rigor and validity
  • Clarity and organization
  • Relevance to sustainability, innovation, and impact
  • Ethical compliance

4. Timelines

  • Invitation response: reviewers are normally asked to accept or decline the review invitation within 7 days
  • Review completion: reviewers are normally asked to complete the review within 4 weeks after accepting the invitation
  • Initial editorial decision: JSII aims to provide an initial editorial decision within 4 to 6 weeks after a manuscript is sent for peer review, subject to reviewer availability and manuscript complexity

5. Confidentiality & Conflicts

  • Reviewers must treat manuscripts and review materials as confidential.
  • Reviewers must declare conflicts of interest and recuse themselves where necessary.
  • Reviewer identities are not shared with authors. Reviewers should avoid including identifying information in comments, uploaded files, or file metadata.

6. Editorial Decisions

  • Accept
  • Minor Revisions
  • Major Revisions, which may be re-reviewed
  • Reject

7. Revisions

Authors must submit a response letter addressing reviewer comments. Revised manuscripts may be reassessed by reviewers or handled directly by editors, depending on the nature of the revisions required.

8. Ethical Practice

JSII follows COPE-aligned procedures for handling suspected misconduct. See: Plagiarism & Screening Policy and Ethical Guidelines (PEMS).

9. Appeals & Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting evidence of error. Appeals are reviewed by an editor not involved in the original decision where possible. See the Complaints & Appeals Policy.

Contact: Editorial Office: editorial@thesustainimpact.com