Serra, Fernando Antonio RibeiroScafuto, Isabel CristinaNassif, Vânia Maria JorgeCosta, Priscila Rezende daFerreira, Manuel Portugal2025-12-052025-12-052025Serra, F. A. R., Ferreira, M. P., Scafuto, I. C., Nassif, V. M. J., & Costa, P. R. (2025, Jan./Apr.). The importance of the reviewer's role in the development of innovation research: Guidelines for constructive contributions. [Editorial Comment]. International Journal of Innovation - IJI, 13(1), Article e28542. https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.285422318-9975http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/14936Document type - Journal article: EditorialIntroduction The peer review process is essential to ensure the quality, rigor, and relevance of scientific publications. The International Journal of Innovation (IJI), a journal dedicated to disseminating research on innovation with an emphasis on emerging markets, values the thorough and constructive contributions of its reviewers. These professionals play a crucial role in the selection and improvement of published research, directly contributing to the journal’s scientific excellence. This editorial commentary addresses the role of reviewers within the specific context of the IJI, offering practical guidance especially aimed at early-career researchers and doctoral students who are beginning to engage in the manuscript evaluation process. More than merely judging submitted works, the reviewer acts as a strategic partner to authors, providing constructive recommendations that strengthen the methodological and theoretical quality of the research under review. Recognizing the importance of this role means understanding the direct influence that reviewers have on the advancement of validated scientific knowledge. Well-conducted reviews elevate the quality of published articles and contribute to the academic career development of the reviewers themselves.engjournal article10.5585/2025.28542