Scientific Misconduct in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Insights From the Global South

ABSTRACT This study examines scientific misconduct in the Global South amid technological change and institutional pressures, proposing strategies to foster a sustainable culture of research integrity. Adopting a systematic review design guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) framework, this study ensures methodological rigour, transparency, and reproducibility of the findings. Relevant literature was retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria that yielded 60 eligible articles. These studies were critically synthesised using a six‐stage thematic analysis to identify regional patterns, drivers of misconduct, and effective mitigation strategies. Misconduct is shaped by structural, cultural, and technological factors, evolving from traditional unethical practices to AI‐enabled forms due to academic competition and weak governance. Drivers include personal pressures, poor oversight, inadequate mentorship, technological misuse, socio‐cultural tolerance of unethical norms, and limited national research policies. Recommended measures include prioritising research quality, establishing independent integrity offices, embedding ethics education, and fostering collaboration among governments, universities, and publishers. The study provides actionable guidance for policymakers and academic institutions to enhance governance, promote ethical awareness, and reduce misconduct. This research integrates technological, institutional, and socio‐cultural dimensions to advance understanding of integrity challenges in the Global South.