Abstract
The digital transformation initiated by digitalization leads to an unstoppable process of change in all areas of society including universities. The effects of the corona pandemic accelerated this process but at the same time uncovered deficits and uncertainties with regarding the correct handling of digitalization. Resulting social phenomena arise that have not been considered in the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Therefore, this scientific contribution provides a solution proposal for the further development of the CSR concept into the Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) concept, taking into account economic, ecological and social aspects of sustainability both in the physical and digital living environment. Building on this, the scenario technique of the German Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection is transferred into the university context to offer an example on how universities can responsibly design their future digitalization strategy. While the findings show that the scenario technique can be applied to contexts other than companies, they also show that for the successful transfer of CDR into university practice, a close exchange between universities and the state with regard to a clear allocation of responsibilities must take place.
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Notes
- 1.
A classic example is the change in the music and media industry due to the development from analog sound carriers to streaming portals.
- 2.
In the past the use of digital media was limited to the provision of lecture and exercise materials. Today, forms of self-determined, interactive, cooperative and action-oriented learning are available.
- 3.
Due to the temporal, didactic and spatial diversity of digital formats, the compatibility of family, work and further education is improved.
- 4.
Ecological considerations on the moderate use of natural resources (e.g. resource conservation, emission reduction, preservation of ecosystems, minimization of risks), economic considerations to ensure long-term company security (e.g. increase added value, efficient satisfaction of needs, high innovation potential, no accumulation of debts), social considerations to ensure the “good life” (e.g. cooperation, solidarity system, equal rights, job security).
- 5.
In the scientific discourse, a distinction is made between “weak sustainability” and “strong sustainability”. In the case of “weak sustainability”, ecology, economy and social affairs are treated equally, while “strong sustainability” sees ecology as a prerequisite for social affairs and social issues as a prerequisite for economy.
- 6.
There is more of a tendency to expand the model to include other pillars (e.g. culture, politics). These extensions of the model have played a subordinate role in the literature so far.
- 7.
For example, companies have to consider the social effects of digital products and services as early as their development and ensure that they are compatible with our value standards.
- 8.
As with corporate social responsibility, there is currently no standard definition of the term “CDR”.
- 9.
Digitalization sometimes leads to disruptive technologies that require a completely different legal basis. This takes time. CDR can form a bridge here.
- 10.
For example, through a gain in legitimacy on the part of society.
- 11.
This includes representatives from civil society, associations, science, investors, influencers and users.
- 12.
Overview of members of the CDR initiative: Allianz Germany, Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV), Cliqz MyOffrz GmbH, Daimler AG, Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Telekom, IBM Germany, ING, Miele, Otto Group, Rewe Group, SAP, Siemens AG, Telefónica, Zalando SE, ZEIT Online; highlighted institutions are founding members.
- 13.
In particular, this includes representatives from science (e.g. universities).
- 14.
See Kofler’s diagram (Fig. 1). A classic relationship between science (advisory function) and the state (regulatory function) has always existed, but in view of the independence of science it is often excluded from scientific presentations.
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Pelters, E. (2021). Corporate Digital Responsibility—Understanding and Applying. In: Herberger, T.A., Dötsch, J.J. (eds) Digitalization, Digital Transformation and Sustainability in the Global Economy. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77340-3_6
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