The opportunities and risks of digitalisation for sustainable development: a systemic perspective

Digitalisation can drive the sustainable transformation of society and industry. Many of the opportunities are, however, closely linked with risks. The use of a systemic risk-benefit perspective can help with the review and categorisation of the major impacts and trade-offs regarding the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. The dynamics and uncertainties of digitalisation are complex - to make digitalisation a sustainable success, all involved actors should be engaged in a co-design process to develop a governance structure that is in line with sustainability.

Automated summary

Digitalization can drive sustainable transformation in society and industry, but it also comes with risks. To ensure its sustainable success, a systemic risk-benefit perspective is needed, along with a co-design process for developing a governance structure.