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In 1992, Stephenson [1] described a type of metaverse in his science fiction novel Snow Crash . Through his imagination, Stephenson is said to have directly influenced the makers of Google Earth, and, more recently, Silicon Valley’s “Metaverse” [2] . In addition, there was a spate of literature published 15–20 years ago, related to metaverse concepts with the introduction of Second Life in June 2003 by Linden Labs. Many users experienced virtual spaces, shopped with virtual currency (Linden dollar, L $ ), and even frequented virtual storefronts [3] . 

This paper serves as an Introduction to the Public Interest Technology (PIT) for Innovation in Global Development Special Issue, based on a workshop of the same title held in September 2023. The paper’s contribution is in proposing recommendations and practical guidance to aid in launching PIT projects. We begin by situating the Special Issue in evolving definitions of PIT in Section II , followed by an overview of the PIT ecosystem in Section III to offer a succinct account of the current state of PIT scholarship. The corresponding links to the innovation in global development context are subsequently described in Section IV , in keeping with the theme of the workshop. These links relate to an overview of adjacent fields and concepts; an illustrative example in the information technology for development (ICT4D) field; the identification of gaps in current PIT scholarship; and the preliminary questions that require attention. Next, Section V presents workshop outcomes, in the form of a general overview of the event; the identification of prevalent themes emerging from and / or are reinforced in the workshop; and a summary of Special Issue papers. The workshop is used as an interdisciplinary catalyst for the explication of more recent PIT developments. These developments are encapsulated in ten recommendations for launching PIT projects in Section VI , intended to direct PIT project managers or lead investigators prior to project launch or during the initial stages of a project. 

December 2023 completes the fourth year of the IEEE Transactions on Technology and Society (IEEE TTS or Transactions); an interdisciplinary publication launched in January 2020. This Editorial presents an account of the first 16 issues comprising the first 4 volumes of the Transactions. It also presents the historical backdrop dating back to 2016, outlining the motivations for TTS. This paper furthermore documents how TTS volunteers have shaped the publication’s trajectory toward an internationally recognized and reputable interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary outlet. This has been achieved through interactions between authors, reviewers, associate editors, co-editors, the publications board, steering committee and editorial board-at-large, led by the co-editors-in-chief and the Vice President (VP) of Publications at the IEEE Society on the Social Implications of Technology (IEEE SSIT). SSIT is an established society that celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2022. TTS resides within IEEE SSIT with co-sponsorship from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society and the IEEE Computer Society. It is one of three official periodicals of the IEEE SSIT, alongside the 42-year-old IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, and the long-standing IEEE SSIT Newsletter. The reader is invited to celebrate the first four years of TTS, where the Transactions’ foundational pillars and vision of the publication are shared in this Editorial, and where we invite you to join our growing community. 

The term research impact is variously defined in academic scholarship, by national and international research funding bodies, publishers, and other relevant entities, although common definitional elements exist. Concise definitions describe the term as relating to academic research that directly and or indirectly guides policymaking processes, by enabling evidence-based decision-making and or improving understanding of a given subject area or areas [1] . Underlying this and all definitions of research impact is the fundamental assumption that the outcome(s) of university research will serve the “public good” [2, p. 1368] .