Is Digital Transformation the Key towards a More Sustainably Developed World?

Digital transformation is reshaping every industry on the planet. According to IDC, by 2022, over 60% of global GDP will be digitized, with growth driven by digitally-enhanced offerings, operations, and relationships in every sector.

Simultaneously, our world faces significant challenges, including global warming, natural disasters, and other environmental threats. These dangers, combined with increasing strains on the planet's resources, are driving mainstream sustainability.

As pressure for increased environmental stewardship grows, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing are assisting businesses in a variety of ways in achieving sustainable goals.

AI connects intelligent cities with intelligent control, improves emergency response, reduces pollution, protects resources and endangered species, increases access to renewable energy, and contributes to green and sustainable dwellings.

Data analysis and machine learning systems enhance agriculture/irrigation facilities and simplify biological concerns, such as carbon leakage detection or wind power renewable energy forecasting.

Robotics and IoT ecosystems enable manufacturers to profit from recycling by automating e-waste processing.

Potential Obstacles and Recommendations for Raising Awareness About Digital Transformation

Nonetheless, every coin has two sides. Accessibility in the digital age may pose threats and risks to various industries, including the failure to provide equitable internet access, the absence of a global information technology system, and the threat of cybersecurity.

There are also concerns about the environmental consequences of digital technology, such as the massive amount of e-waste generated and the number of harmful chemicals produced, and the illegal use of digitalization. However, by developing the best possible digital risk management and structure, it is assumed that risks will be mitigated.

According to Gresb reports, Deloitte's digital risk framework takes ten risk areas into account, including strategic, technology, operations, third party, regulatory, forensics, cyber, resilience, data leakage, and privacy. Different control measures will be designed following leading standards and industry practices based on the relevant risk areas for digital initiatives.

Despite the challenges and risks inherent in the evolving environment, businesses cannot ignore the opportunities that 'going digital' brings and the profound impact it will have on them.

Objects that obstruct the measurement of a circular environment

The transition to a more sustainable,' circular' environment has primarily been limited to developers and pioneering global firms. There are various common acceptance barriers, ranging from supply chain geographical dispersion to the difficulty of deconstructing materials and goods.

Enterprises can overcome these barriers as a result of advancements in digital and technological innovation. Machine-to-machine and data analytics enables businesses to balance market forces for underutilized resources and goods.

In conjunction with mobile and social media, the 'cloud' has the potential to disintegrate goods and even entire industries. Additionally, 3D printing enables the use of environmentally friendly manufacturing materials.

As a result, because environmental issues affect everyone, all businesses are obligated to do their best and evaluate their operations to determine whether meaningful changes can be made. The ultimate goal is straightforward: to mitigate the impact of environmental issues on future generations, with technology serving as a catalyst.

With additional consideration of how technology can aid in sustainable development, it is anticipated that the future will become a greener environment.