Use of Generative AI

With the development of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies increasingly used by authors in creating scientific manuscripts, Russian Journal of Regional Studies has established a policy to regulate their use. The Journal will closely monitor advancements in this field and revise its policy as necessary.
Policy for Authors
Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Tools in Scientific Writing
This policy applies exclusively to the writing process and does not cover the use of AI for data analysis or deriving scientific conclusions during research.
Authors may use generative AI and AI tools solely to enhance the readability and linguistic quality of their manuscripts. Such tools must be used under human supervision, with the output carefully reviewed and edited by the authors. It is important to recognize that AI can generate text that appears authoritative but may contain inaccuracies, incomplete information, or biases.
Responsibility and Disclosure
Authors bear full responsibility for the content of their work. The use of AI tools must be disclosed in the manuscript, and this disclosure will be included in the published article to ensure transparency and build trust among all participants in the publication process.
AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship implies responsibility and the fulfillment of tasks that only humans can perform. Authors must ensure their work is original, complies with ethical standards, and does not infringe on the rights of third parties.
Use of AI in Illustrations and Graphic Content
Prohibition on AI-Generated or Altered Images: The use of generative AI or AI tools to create, alter, or process images in manuscripts is prohibited. Adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color balance are permitted only if they do not distort the presented data.
Exception: If the use of AI is part of the research methodology (e.g., biomedical imaging), it must be thoroughly described in the "Methods" section, including the name and specifications of the AI tool used.
Policy for Reviewers
Confidentiality and Use of AI Tools
Manuscripts submitted for review are considered confidential documents. Reviewers are obligated to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the content of manuscripts and any related information.
The uploading of manuscripts or their parts to any AI systems is strictly prohibited, as it may compromise the confidentiality of the authors and their intellectual property rights. Review comments, which may contain sensitive information about the manuscript and its authors, are also not to be uploaded to AI systems.
The use of generative AI in the preparation of reviews is not permitted, as the peer review process necessitates critical thinking and independent expert evaluation, which fall outside the capabilities of artificial intelligence. Reviewers bear full responsibility for the quality of their expert assessment, the content of their reviews, and compliance with ethical reviewing standards.
Policy for Editors
Confidentiality and Use of AI Tools
All manuscripts submitted for consideration must be treated as confidential documents. Editors are required to ensure the protection of authors’ personal data and prevent unauthorized distribution of materials.
The use of AI systems to support editorial decision-making and the formulation of editorial policy is prohibited. The evaluation of manuscripts requires critical thinking and an objective approach, which can only be provided by qualified human editors.
However, the use of secure AI technologies is permitted for tasks such as checking manuscripts for plagiarism, analyzing content completeness, and identifying potential reviewers, provided that confidentiality standards are maintained.
Editors are fully responsible for the quality of the editorial process, the final decisions regarding manuscripts, informing authors about the status of their submissions, and adhering to ethical norms in editorial work.