About the Journal

The Asia-Pacific Journal of Social Innovation (APJSI, formerly The Mindanao Forum) is a peer-reviewed research journal of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). The journal publishes original and innovative work on social innovation, with a particular focus on issues relevant to the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share research findings, field-based insights, and emerging practices that contribute to socially responsive and sustainable transformation.

All manuscripts submitted to APJSI undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure academic quality, integrity, and relevance. The journal is committed to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and advancing knowledge that connects research, policy, and practice.

Aims and Scope

APJSI aims to advance critical and applied scholarship on social innovation by publishing work that demonstrates how research engages with communities and contributes to inclusive development. The journal prioritizes contributions that bridge theory and practice, particularly those that translate knowledge into meaningful social impact in areas such as governance, peacebuilding, education, sustainability, and community-driven initiatives. It welcomes submissions from both scholars and practitioners, with a strong emphasis on contexts in the Asia-Pacific region and the Global South.

Building on a publication tradition that began over four decades ago with The Mindanao Forum, APJSI continues a longstanding commitment to examining societies shaped by conflict, post-conflict transitions, and structural inequalities. The journal encourages work that foregrounds local knowledge, lived experiences, and context-specific innovations, while connecting these to broader regional and global conversations.

Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

The Asia-Pacific Journal of Social Innovation (APJSI) is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and integrity. The journal follows internationally recognized principles of ethical scholarly publishing and expects all parties involved in the publication process including authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher to adhere to these standards.

Duties of Authors

Authors submitting to APJSI must ensure that:

  • The manuscript is original, has not been published previously, and is not under consideration elsewhere.

  • All sources are properly cited and acknowledged.

  • Data presented are accurate, reliable, and not fabricated, falsified, or manipulated.

  • All listed authors have made significant contributions and have approved the final manuscript.

  • Any conflicts of interest are clearly disclosed.

Plagiarism in any form, including self-plagiarism, is unacceptable and will result in rejection or retraction.

Duties of Editors

Editors are responsible for:

  • Making publication decisions based on the manuscript’s academic merit, originality, and relevance to the journal’s scope.

  • Ensuring a fair, unbiased, and confidential review process.

  • Avoiding conflicts of interest in handling submissions.

  • Taking appropriate action in cases of ethical misconduct, including issuing corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern when necessary.

Duties of Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to:

  • Provide objective, constructive, and timely evaluations of manuscripts.

  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all submitted materials.

  • Declare any conflicts of interest and decline review if necessary.

  • Identify relevant published work not cited by the authors and alert editors to potential ethical issues such as plagiarism or duplication.

Peer Review Process

APJSI follows a double-blind peer review process, in which both authors and reviewers remain anonymous. Manuscripts are evaluated based on originality, methodological rigor, clarity, and contribution to knowledge and practice.

Ethical Oversight

Research involving human participants must demonstrate adherence to appropriate ethical standards, including informed consent and institutional ethical approval where applicable. Authors may be required to provide documentation supporting ethical clearance.

Data Integrity and Transparency

Authors are expected to retain and, where appropriate, make available the data supporting their findings. Any errors discovered after publication must be promptly reported to the editorial office.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The journal requires transparency in the use of AI tools. AI must not be used to fabricate data, generate misleading content, or replace scholarly accountability. Authors remain fully responsible for all submitted content and must disclose any AI assistance.

Allegations of Misconduct

In cases of suspected misconduct, including plagiarism, data fabrication, or unethical research practices, the journal will follow a structured process of investigation. This may result in rejection, retraction, or notification of relevant institutions.

Corrections and Retractions

Where necessary, the journal will publish corrections, clarifications, or retractions to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

Publisher Responsibilities

Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), as publisher, supports editorial independence and is committed to ensuring that ethical standards are upheld throughout the publication process.

Contact

For ethical concerns or inquiries, please contact:
ovcre.ord@g.msuiit.edu.ph