Technologies for Organizations and Society: The Promise of Responsible Information Systems

Digital technologies are increasingly pervasive, driving profound transformations across socio-economic and organizational landscapes. As rapid technological advancement intersects with intensifying global challenges, there is a growing priority to balance innovation with its social and environmental implications. This evolving context positions the Information Systems (IS) field at the forefront of addressing complex societal needs and shaping sustainable digital futures. This chapter focuses on the concept and development of Responsible IS, a research approach that refocuses IS scholarship on the common good by integrating ethical, theoretical, and practical considerations. It introduces the contributions of the volume to the discourse on how digital technologies can serve both organizations and society in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. The book collects 24 chapters from the Italian IS community that provide an interdisciplinary and multifaceted exploration of Responsible IS. The chapters are organized around four main thematic areas: the use of digital technologies to advance sustainability and the circular economy; the use of digital technologies for promoting social good, well-being, and digital inclusion; ethical and societal challenges related to the design and use of digital technologies; and digital ecosystems, organizational transformation, and stakeholder networks for responsible innovation. Collectively, these contributions exhibit how IS research can inform and guide digital innovation to maximize societal and environmental benefit while mitigating risks, advancing a more equitable and sustainable digital future.