Headline: Digitalisation & Sustainability

Thirty years after the invention of the World Wide Web, digital technologies are now commonplace in almost every aspect of society and global region. But along with their many benefits, digital technologies also present a variety of challenges and interlinking risks for both people and the natural environment. To date, these risks have not been discussed in depth by policymakers, citizens, and researchers. Against this background, the research group "Digitalisation & Sustainability" studies how the digital transformation can be shaped to ensure it supports transitions towards more sustainable societies. The impacts of digitalisation in industry and the economy are a particular focus of this research. Among other things, IASS researchers are investigating how digital technologies are changing resource consumption in industrial manufacturing and how their application can support corporate sustainability management. Their research also addresses the unintended side-effects of digital data flows and the associated challenges in various economic sectors. In addition, the research group examines the impact of the digital transformation on economic and social development in countries of the Global South and explores options for action to ensure that socio-technical transformation processes foster sustainable development and social justice. As an interdisciplinary team, the research group approaches these issues from a technical, economic, social, and environmental science perspective. The respective disciplinary methods employed within the group are complemented by transdisciplinary research approaches that actively involve stakeholders from the field. In addition to scientific publications, the group develops options for action for policymakers, business and civil society, and organises specialist and discussion events.