Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Aligning Digitalization and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges for Corporate Success and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Multidimensional and Strategic Outlook in Digital Business Transformation

Part of the book series: Contributions to Management Science ((MANAGEMENT SC.))

  • 593 Accesses

Abstract

Digitalization provides valuable benefits for entities and offers unique opportunities to strategically address challenges associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure a sustainable society. This chapter discusses potential cross-fertilization effects between digitalization and sustainability to catalyze the benefits and challenges of digital transformation on the corporate level and SDGs’ perspective by focusing on sustainable practices. This chapter provides valuable insights for professionals and policymakers on the trends of digitalization and how they can support the SDGs that become a global compass for navigating sustainability challenges.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Agez, M., Wood, R., Margni, M., Strømman, A. H., Samson, R., & Majeau‐Bettez, G. (2020). Hybridization of complete PLCA and MRIO databases for a comprehensive product system coverage. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 24(4), 774–790.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrae, A. S. G. (2019). Comparison of several simplistic high-level approaches for estimating the global energy and electricity use of ICT networks and data centers. International Journal of Green Technology, 5, 50–63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avila-Gutierrez, M. J., Martin-Gomez, A., Aguayo-Gonzalez, F., & Lama-Ruiz, J. R. (2020). Eco-holonic 4.0 circular business model to conceptualize sustainable value chain towards digital transition. Sustainability, 12, 1889.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bai, C., Dallasega, P., Orzes, G., & Sarkis, J. (2020). Industry 4.0 technologies assessment: A sustainability perspective. International Journal of Production Economics, 229, 107776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2020.107776

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beier, G., Niehoff, S., & Hoffmann, M. (2021). Industry 4.0: A step towards achieving the SDGs? A critical literature review. Discover Sustainability, 2(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-021-00030-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Birat, J. (2020). How to tell the story of change and transition of the energy, ecological and societal systems. Matériaux & Techniques, 108(5–6), 1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brenner, B., & Hartl, B. (2021). The perceived relationship between digitalization and ecological, economic, and social sustainability. Journal of Cleaner Production, 315, 128128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Camodeca, R., & Almici, A. (2021). Digital transformation and convergence toward the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainability Development Goals: Evidence from Italian listed firms. Sustainability, 13, 11831.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ceipek, R., Hautz, J., Petruzzelli, A. M., De Massis, A., & Matzler, K. (2020). A motivation and ability perspective on engagement in emerging digital technologies: The case of Internet of Things solutions. Long Range Planning, 54(5), 101991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2020.101991

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiarini, A. (2021). Industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing sector: Are we sure they are all relevant for environmental performance? Business Strategy and the Environment, 30(7), 3194–3207. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2797

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dalby, S., Horton, S., Mahon, R., & Thomaz, D. (2019). Achieving the sustainable development goals: Global governance challenges. Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Del Río Castro, G., Gonzalez Fernandez, M. C., & Uruburu Colsa, A. (2021). Unleashing the convergence amid digitalization and sustainability towards pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A holistic review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 280, 122204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frank, A. G., Dalenogare, L. S., & Ayala, N. F. (2019). Industry 4.0 technologies: Implementation patterns in manufacturing companies. International Journal of Production Economics, 210, 15–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fritzsche, K., Niehoff, S., & Beier, G. (2018). Industry 4.0 and climate change—Exploring the science-policy gap. Sustainability, 10(12), 4511.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gerlitz, L., & Meyer, C. (2021). Small and medium-sized ports in the ten-t network and nexus of Europe’s twin transition: The way towards sustainable and digital port service ecosystems. Sustainability, 13, 4386.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghobakhloo, M., Iranmanesh, M., Grybauskas, A., Vilkas, M., & Petraitė, M. (2021). Industry 4.0, innovation, and sustainable development: A systematic review and a roadmap to sustainable innovation. Business Strategy and the Environment, 30(8), 4237–4257.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, S., Motlagh, M., & Rhyner, J. (2020). The digitalization sustainability matrix: A participatory research tool for investigating digitainability. Sustainability, 12, 9283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, S., & Rhyner, J. (2022). Mindful application of digitalization for sustainable development: The digitainability assessment framework. Sustainability, 14, 3114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ha, L. T., Huong, T. T. L., & Thanh, T. T. (2022). Is digitalization a driver to enhance environmental performance? An empirical investigation of European countries. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 32, 230–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haefner, N., Wincent, J., Parida, V., & Gassmann, O. (2021). Artificial intelligence and innovation management: A review, framework, and research agenda. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 162, 120392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Helbing, D. (2012). The future ICT knowledge accelerator toward a more resilient and sustainable future. In P. Ball (Ed.), Why society is a complex matter (pp. 55–60). Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Horn, P., & Grugel, J. (2018). The SDGs in middle-income countries: Setting or serving domestic development agendas? Evidence from Ecuador. World Development, 109, 73–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • International Data Corporation. (2020). IDC FutureScape: Worldwide IT industry 2020 predictions. International Data Corporation (IDC). www.idc.com

  • Jepsen, M., & Drahokoupil, J. (2017). The digital economy and its implications for labor. The consequences of digitalization for the labor market. European Review of Labor and Research, 23(3), 249–252.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiron, D., & Unruh, G. (2018). The convergence of digitalization and sustainability. MIT Sloan Management Review. https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/the-convergence-of-digitalization-and-sustainability/

  • Kumar, R., Singh, R. K., & Dwivedi, Y. K. (2020). Application of industry 4.0 technologies in SMEs for ethical and sustainable operations: Analysis of challenges. Journal of Cleaner Production, 275, 124063.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kunkel, S., & Tyfield, D. (2021). Digitalization, sustainable industrialization and digital rebound – Asking the right questions for a strategic research agenda. Energy Research & Social Science, 82, 102295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lange, S., Pohl, J., & Santarius, T. (2020). Digitalization and energy consumption. Does ICT reduce energy demand? Ecological Economics, 176, 106760.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, W. C., Nirei, M., & Yamana, K. (2019). Value of data: There’s no such thing as a free lunch in the digital economy. Discussion Paper 19022, Research Institute of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, R., Koehler, A., Gailhofer, P., Gensch, C.-O., & Wolff, F. (2019). Impacts of the digital transformation on the environment and sustainability. Working Paper. Öko Institut e.V., Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lichtenthaler, U. C. (2021). Digitainability: The combined effects of the megatrends digitalization and sustainability. Journal of Innovation Management, 9(2), 64–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loebbecke, C., & Picot, A. (2015). Reflections on societal and business model transformation arising from digitization and big data analytics: A research agenda. Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 24, 149–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez, B. (2020). Connecting business and sustainable development goals in Spain. Marketing Intelligence and Planning, 38, 573–585.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Messerli, P., Kim, E. M., Lutz, W., Moatti, J. P., Richardson, K., Saidam, M., Smith, D., Eloundou-Enyegue, P., Foli, E., & Glassman, A. (2019). Expansion of sustainability science needed for the SDGs. Nature Sustainability, 2, 892–894.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nnorom, I. C., & Osibanjo, O. (2008). Overview of electronic waste management practices and legislations, and their poor applications in the developing countries. Resources, Conservation, Recycling, 52(6), 843–858.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2018). Achieving inclusive growth in the face of the digital transformation and the future of growth. Report to G20 Finance Ministers. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Washington D.C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palacká, A., Krechovská, M., & Číž, J. (2021). Sustainability concept in the digital age: New opportunities for companies. Current Problems of Corporate Sector. SHS Web of Conferences 115, 01004. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202111501004.

  • Pereira, C. S., Durao, N., Moreira, F., & Veloso, B. (2022). The importance of digital transformation in international business. Sustainability, 14, 834.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pietron, D., Staab, P., & Hofmann, F. (2022). Sustainable digital market design: A data-based approach to the circular economy. ECDF Working Paper Series 1, Policy Paper for the D4S-Network, Berlin. https://doi.org/10.14279/depositonce-15014.

  • Pimonenko, T., Bilan, Y., Horák, J., Starchenko, L., & Gajda, W. (2020). Green brand of companies and greenwashing under sustainable development goals. Sustainability, 12, 1679.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ragnedda, M., & Ruiu, M. L. (2021). COVID-19 in the UK: The exacerbation of inequality and a digitally based response. In S. Milan, E. Trere, & S. Masiero (Eds.), COVID-19 from the margins. Pandemic invisibilities, policies and resistance in the Datafied society (pp. 106–110). Institute of Network Cultures.

    Google Scholar 

  • Renn, O., Beier, G., & Schweizer, P.-J. (2021). The opportunities and risks of digitalization for sustainable development: A systemic perspective. Gaia, 30(1), 23–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosario, A. T., & Dias, J. C. (2022). Sustainability and the digital transition: A literature review. Sustainability, 13, 4072.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roy, V., & Singh, S. (2017). Mapping the business focus in sustainable production and consumption literature: Review and research framework. Journal of Cleaner Production, 150, 224–236.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seele, P., & Lock, I. (2017). The game-changing potential of digitalization for sustainability: Possibilities, perils, and pathways. Sustainability Science, 12(2), 183–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song, M., Cen, L., Zheng, Z., Fisher, R., Liang, X., Wang, Y., & Huisingh, D. (2017). How would big data support societal development and environmental sustainability? Insights and practices. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142(Part 2), 489–500.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sparviero, S., & Ragnedda, M. (2021). Towards digital sustainability: The long journey to the sustainable development goals 2030. Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, 23(3), 216–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sustainable Development Solutions Network. (2021). The World in 2050. Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). www.twi2050.org

  • TUBISAD. (2021). 2020 information and communication technologies industry: Market data and trends. Deloitte.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Velden, M. (2018). Digitalization and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: What role for design. ID&A Interaction Design Architecture, 37, 160–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vincent, R. C. (2016). The internet and sustainable development: Communication dissemination and the digital divide. Perspectives on Global Development and Technology, 15(6), 605–637.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warner, K. S. R., & Wäger, M. (2019). Building dynamic capabilities for digital transformation: An ongoing process of strategic renewal. Long Range Planning, 52(3), 326–349.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weingärtner, C., & Moberg, A. (2011). Exploring social sustainability: Learning from perspectives on urban development and companies and products. Sustainable Development, 22(2), 122–133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Economic Forum. (2018). Internet of Things guidelines for sustainability. Future of Digital Economy and Society System Initiative https://www3.weforum.org/docs/IoTGuidelinesforSustainability.pdf

  • WBGU. (2019). Towards our common digital future: Flagship Report. German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU). Berlin. https://www.wbgu.de/en/publications/publication/towards-our-common-digital-future

  • Zhang, Y., Ren, S., Liu, Y., & Si, S. (2017). A big data analytics architecture for cleaner manufacturing and maintenance processes of complex products. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142, 626–641.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Business, Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Mustafa Kemal Yilmaz

Authors
  1. Mustafa Kemal Yilmaz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mustafa Kemal Yilmaz .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Head of Human Resources Management Department, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Türkiye

    Pelin Vardarlıer

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Yilmaz, M.K. (2023). Aligning Digitalization and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges for Corporate Success and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. In: Vardarlıer, P. (eds) Multidimensional and Strategic Outlook in Digital Business Transformation. Contributions to Management Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23432-3_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation