Digital Transformation and the Internationalisation of Information Science: Applied Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Trends and Future Opportunities

Digital transformation and digital humanism are reshaping knowledge and interactions across diverse fields and industries. To adapt and fit within the modern digital economy, professional patterns and career pathways require critical and vital capabilities to herald new opportunities and prospects. In light of these dynamics, the research explores the implications of applied artificial intelligence and realities to bridge career prospects in the field of information science, while focusing on digital transformations to foster the development of novel applications. It evaluates essential emerging programs and applications to bridge and advance career projects in the field through the lens of digital transformation; demonstrates how to facilitate effective integration and adoption of applied artificial intelligence technologies and applications; explores factors that hinder these emerging trends and dynamic changes; and formulates a strategic framework to leverage applied artificial intelligence and digital transformation for future opportunities. Research applied content analysis and knowledge from diverse electronic journals, books, online databases, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Research publications and articles were identified and searched using a statistical approach of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) strategy and scoping review methodologies. A mixed method research design incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches was applied to collect and analyze, with concurrent and sequential triangulation used to enhance the validity of the findings. First insights indicate that integration of emerging programs, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, generative artificial intelligence and large language models – reflects transformative technical expertise and strategic innovation in information science, which positions digital transformation as the defining framework to foster interdisciplinary competencies, enhance employability and advance sustainable technological and socio-economic development in the global knowledge economy. Second insights demonstrate that adoption of applied artificial intelligence depends on technological, human and ethical pillars, with digital infrastructure and cloud readiness emerging as the most influential. Third insights highlight multiple interrelated factors that hinder these emerging trends and dynamic changes - inadequate preparedness and training, limited institutional support and resources, resistance to change and lack of awareness of practical AI tools. Fourth insights determine a strategic framework to leverage artificial intelligence and digital transformation for future opportunities from curriculum coordination to technical instruction, as well as AI mentorship and leadership to effectively enhance market competitions and industrial portfolios.