AI, Sustainability, and Connected Species

The XI International Conference on Collaborative Innovation Networks (COINs 2025) was held in Gorizia, Italy, on May 21–22, 2025. The conference theme, “Connecting Species: AI and Networks for a Sustainable Future”, reflects the increasing importance of artificial intelligence and network analysis in fostering collaboration across human, organizational, and ecological domains. In line with the One Health approach, endorsed by the World Health Organization, which emphasizes the interconnection among human, animal, and environ mental health, the conference highlighted its innovativeness by extending this frame work into the realm of collaborative innovation networks. While the traditional biopsychosocial model has broadened the understanding of health by integrating biological, psychological, and social factors, One Health moves beyond these dimensions by explicitly incorporating ecological systems and interspecies relationships. The conference further underscored how the well-being of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems is mutually dependent, and showcased innovative pathways for integrated, cross-sectoral solutions that leverage artificial intelligence, network science, and interspecies collaboration.