Digitalisation and sustainability strategies at the firm level

Arbeitspapier

The paper analyses the relationship between digitalisation and sustainability strategies at the firm level. In a first step, operational definitions of digitalisation and sustainability allowing the development of fitting empirical indicators are discussed. The possible technical and social transmission channels of the effects of digitalisation on a sustainable firm development are analysed. From a technical side of view, less energy consumption induced by intelligent sensoring systems or the reduction of meetings in presence by video conferences or the promotion of home office work leading to less travel activities might lead to a more sustainable production. Digitalisation might also act as pre-condition of eco-process innovations (e. g. the introduction of intelligent control systems leading to material and energy savings). From a societal perspective, digitalisation might lead to a higher availability of information on sustainability issues promoting a faster spread of environmentally related social norms. The empirical analysis is based on firm data of the recent Eurobarometer 486/2020 of the European Commission. The econometric results show that 'digitally active' firms seem to be more sustainable for all available indicators. All considered digitalisation measures such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or the use of smart devices and intelligent sensors are positively correlated to eco-innovation and other sustainability-related activities of the questioned firms.

Object Details

• ISBN: 978-3-96973-167-3
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Ruhr Economic Papers ; No. 1001

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models: Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions ; Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives ; Sustainable Development ; Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
• Subject: Digitalisation ; sustainability ; eco-innovation ; probit analysis ; negative binomial regression

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Horbach, Jens
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung
• (where): Essen
• (when): 2023

Further information

• DOI: doi:10.4419/96973167
• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/269232
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET