Manuscript Submission

The Practical Guide for Authors & Innovators

This guide covers how to prepare, format, and submit a manuscript to Stem Think Tank. STT publishes rigorous STEM research with clear commercial, market, or policy implications.

Before You Submit

Please read the following guidelines carefully before preparing your manuscript. Submissions that do not conform to these guidelines may be returned without review.

Ensure your manuscript has not been published previously and is not currently under review at another journal.
Ensure all authors and any institutional tech transfer or IP offices are aware of and have approved the submission.
Ensure your manuscript is written in clear, professional English suitable for technical and business audiences.
Confirm that all cited sources, market data, and benchmarks are accurate, complete, and appropriately referenced.
Disclose any pending patents, fundraising, or commercial interests related to the work.

Manuscript Preparation

General Formatting

Language English

File Format MS Word (.docx) or LaTeX

Font Calibri or Arial, 11pt

Spacing 1.5 line spacing

Margins 2.5 cm on all sides

Pagination Bottom right

Templates:
Download the STT Manuscript Template
Download the LaTeX Template

Structure of the Manuscript

Manuscripts should follow this order. Items may be omitted if not relevant to the article type:

Title Page

Full title of the manuscript. Full names and affiliations of all authors. Corresponding author's email. Running head (max 60 characters). Article type: Applied Research, Market Analysis, Case Study, etc.

Executive Summary

100-150 words. Required for all submissions. Summarize the problem, solution, key results, and market or operational impact. Written for non-specialist decision-makers.

Abstract

No more than 300 words. Technical abstract stating the objective, methodology, key results, and main conclusion. No citations or undefined abbreviations.

Keywords & JEL/Industry Codes

Provide 4 to 6 keywords. For business-focused papers, include relevant JEL codes or NAICS industry codes if applicable.

Introduction & Market Context

Present the technical background and market motivation. Define the problem, review prior work and existing solutions, and state objectives or hypotheses.

Methods / Approach

Describe the experimental, analytical, or implementation approach in sufficient detail for replication. Include datasets, models, tools, or process designs used.

Results & Performance Metrics

Present findings objectively. Include technical results and relevant business metrics: cost, efficiency, throughput, ROI, TAM/SAM, or unit economics where applicable.

Discussion: Technical & Commercial Implications

Interpret results in context of existing knowledge and market. Address scalability, go-to-market barriers, regulatory factors, and competitive landscape.

Conclusion & Path to Impact

Summarize findings and significance. Highlight contribution to the field and next steps for deployment, partnership, or commercialization.

Funding & IP Disclosure

Acknowledge all funding sources. Disclose patents filed, pending, or planned. State if work is associated with a startup or corporate entity.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledge individuals who contributed but do not qualify as authors: technical support, data providers, industry advisors.

Author Contributions & Competing Interests

Describe specific contributions. Disclose any financial, equity, employment, or consulting relationships. If none, state: "The authors declare no competing interests."

References

Follow APA 7th edition or IEEE format. Include both scholarly citations and market reports, whitepapers, or regulatory docs as needed. All must be cited in text.

Tables & Financial Data

Number tables consecutively (Table 1, Table 2).
Each table must have a concise descriptive caption above it.
All abbreviations and units must be defined in footnotes.
For financials, clearly state currency, time period, and assumptions.

Figures & Charts

Number figures consecutively (Figure 1, Figure 2).
Captions appear below figures.
Submit as high-resolution image files (minimum 300 dpi).
Charts must have labeled axes, legends, and be readable in grayscale.

Submit Your Manuscript

Manuscripts should be submitted via the STT online submission portal.

Submit to STT →

Along with your manuscript file, please include:

Cover Letter

Addressed to the Editor-in-Chief stating: title, article type, summary of work and market significance, confirmation of originality, and disclosure of any IP or commercial interests.

Suggested Reviewers

Suggest 3-5 qualified reviewers. Include at least one technical expert and one with industry or market expertise. All must have no conflict of interest.

Optional: Data & Business Appendix

You may upload supplementary materials for review, such as datasets, code, or a confidential business model appendix. State if any materials are for reviewer eyes only.

Article Processing Charges (APC)

STT is an open-access journal. Accepted manuscripts are subject to an Article Processing Charge to cover peer review, editing, production, indexing, and promotion to industry networks.

Article Type	APC
Applied Research Article	$1,850
Market & Technology Analysis	$1,500
Business Case Study	$1,500
Tech Transfer Report	$1,200
Policy & Standards Brief	$950

APC waivers or discounts are available for early-stage startups, authors from low-income countries, or student-led submissions. Select the 21-day Expedited Track for an additional $500. Requests should be made at submission.

Review Process

Editorial & Scope Screening

The editorial office checks for completeness, formatting, and fit with STT’s STEM-business scope. Manuscripts outside scope or with undisclosed IP conflicts are returned.

Dual Expert + Industry Review

Conforming manuscripts receive double-blind review from at least two experts: one technical reviewer and one industry/market reviewer. Expedited Track guarantees reviewer assignment within 72 hours.

Editorial Decision

Based on reports, the editor issues: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject. Decisions weigh both technical merit and commercial/impact potential.

Revision and Resubmission

Authors must address all reviewer comments in a revised manuscript with a point-by-point response letter. Revisions should clarify both technical and business implications.

Acceptance, Production & Promotion

Upon acceptance, the manuscript enters copyediting and production. Authors review proofs. Final version receives a DOI and is distributed to STT’s academic and industry networks.

Post-Acceptance

Authors receive a PDF proof for review before final publication within 3 business days.
Approved articles are published open access with a DOI and indexed in scholarly and business databases.
Authors may opt into STT’s quarterly “Research to Market” briefing for VCs and corporate partners.
Authors retain full copyright and commercial rights under CC BY 4.0.