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Unleashing digital transformation to achieve the sustainable development goals across multiple sectors

Author

Listed:
  • Vincenzo Varriale
  • Mark Anthony Camilleri
  • Antonello Cammarano
  • Francesca Michelino
  • Julian Müller
  • Serena Strazzullo

Abstract

Digital technologies have the potential to support achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Existing scientific literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of the triple link: “digital technologies – different industry sectors – SDGs”. By systematically analyzing extant literature, 1098 sustainable business practices have been collected from 578 papers, using 11 digital technologies in 17 industries to achieve the 17 SDGs. For instance, find that artificial intelligence can be used to achieve affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) as well as to address climate change (SDG 13). Further, geospatial technologies may be applied in the agricultural industry to reduce hunger in various domains (SDG 2), to foster good health and well‐being (SDG 3), to improve the availability of clean water and sanitation facilities (SDG 6), raise awareness on responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and to safeguard life on land (SDG 15), among other insights.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincenzo Varriale & Mark Anthony Camilleri & Antonello Cammarano & Francesca Michelino & Julian Müller & Serena Strazzullo, 2025. "Unleashing digital transformation to achieve the sustainable development goals across multiple sectors," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 565-579, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:1:p:565-579
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3139
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    5. Huifang Liu & Pengwei Yuan & Xiaoqing Dong, 2025. "How does the digital economy affect green total factor productivity? -Based on the urban cluster perspective," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 58(5), pages 1-26, October.
    6. Ana María Bartolome & Teresa Briz & Beatriz Urbano, 2026. "Developing Sustainable Urban Agriculture in Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategy to Implement the Quintuple Helix," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 2615-2627, April.
    7. Ahmet Atalay & Dalia Perkumienė & Mindaugas Škema & Egidijus Vigricas & Dovilė Čiuldienė & Biruta Švagždiene, 2025. "Evaluating the Role of Metaverse Interactive Technologies in Turkey and Lithuania for a Clean and Sustainable Environment in the Leisure Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-33, October.
    8. Xiaozhong Shi, 2025. "A Novel Approach to Achieve Sustainable Development: Analysis of Industry 4.0 Framework, State‐of‐the‐Art Technologies, and Sustainability Dimensions Based on Stakeholder Theory and Practices," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 4896-4908, August.
    9. Jiyoung Lee & Pipatpong Fakfare & Heesup Han & Jin‐Soo Lee, 2026. "Determinants of Customer Eco‐Friendly Goods Consumption in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(3), pages 3857-3877, March.
    10. Yi‐Feng Zhang & Shi‐Ou Liao, 2025. "The Impact of Digital Economy on Farmers' Environmental Governance Participation: A Mechanism Analysis Based on Chinese Rural Survey Data," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 69(4), pages 855-873, October.
    11. Flavio Martins & Tatiana Sitchinava & Tigran Keryan & Alexander Mitrofanenko & Nelson Stefanelli & Yaniss Guigoz, 2025. "Sustainable Tourism and SDGs in the South Caucasus," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 4867-4883, August.
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    13. Andrew Ngawenja Mzembe & Frans Melissen & Stiliyana Pinteva, 2026. "Is Governance a Driver of Sustainability Transitions? Evidence From Tourism and Urban Socio‐Technical Systems," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 2022-2039, April.

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