Integrating sustainability into digital transformation strategies will enable organizations to operate more efficiently and sustainably, addressing two essential needs at the same time. Rather than focusing solely on digital transformation, the fundamental idea behind twin transformation is to merge it with sustainability, unlocking new business opportunities and benefiting both society and the environment. Twin transformation is an important concept for organizations as it offers the potential to revolutionize their operations, increase competitiveness, and drive innovation.

The synergy between these transitions is the essence of the green digital transformation, which will, in turn, lead to sustainable economic growth and multiple environmental benefits. At the heart of the twin transitions’ interconnectedness are sustainable digital technologies and green digital skills. When policymakers and business leaders align both these agendas, then digital technologies have the potential to amplify sustainability solutions. By optimizing digital technology to reduce environmental impact, the power of digital will unlock a positive impact on the environment and support the transition towards an environmentally friendly economy.

The green and digital transitions will only succeed if they are addressed fairly and inclusively so that every citizen can make use of the benefits of digitalisation and decarbonization. That is why green digital solutions will require actions for inclusion of every group in vulnerable situations, to guarantee they are given equal opportunities.

Embracing the Twin Transition: Balancing Green and Digital Transformations for a Sustainable Future

The concept of the "Twin Transition" encapsulates the concurrent challenges and opportunities posed by the green and digital transformations in the current decade. These twin transitions are of paramount importance and are at the forefront of the European Agenda, driven by the pressing realities of resource depletion on Earth and the rapid digitalization permeating all aspects of life.

The urgency of these transitions lies in the fact that our planet is grappling with the depletion of natural resources, necessitating sustainable practices to ensure environmental longevity. Simultaneously, the relentless march of digitalization is reshaping the way we live and work at an unprecedented pace. What makes the Twin Transition particularly intriguing is the interdependence and reciprocal relationship between the green and digital agendas. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates both transitions, global leaders can harness their synergies to advance sustainability goals and establish robust environmental standards.

One noteworthy aspect of this integrated approach is the potential for digital practices to contribute significantly to environmental conservation. For instance, the adoption of hybrid or online work models in lieu of traditional office-based routines can substantially reduce carbon footprints. Furthermore, the deployment of clean digital technologies holds the promise of facilitating the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing the efficiency of energy and resource utilization. In essence, technological advancements and digital practices are already proving instrumental in curtailing emissions.

Conversely, the green transition can act as a catalyst for digital innovation, offering novel opportunities for the digital industry. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things play a pivotal role in developing sustainable and inclusive energy solutions. This symbiotic relationship between green initiatives and digital advancements not only fosters environmental stewardship but also paves the way for a more technologically advanced and sustainable future.

Twin Transition signifies a strategic and interconnected approach to address the critical challenges of our time. By aligning the digital and green agendas, global leaders have the potential to create a harmonious balance that not only safeguards the environment but also propels technological innovation for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Importance Of Linking The Green And Digital Transitions

While both transitions will transform our societies and economies, they are different in nature and in their dynamics. The green transition is driven by the need to reach the aims of climate neutrality and sustainability, and to reach them quickly. It will not happen on its own and requires a political and societal push. In contrast, the digital transition is an ongoing process of technology-driven change, with the private sector as one of the primary drivers. Therefore, steering and support are important to make sure that the digital transition becomes a powerful instrument for achieving a fair and just green transition.

In many areas, the green and digital transitions can reinforce each other, but they do not necessarily always align. Digital technologies can be key enablers for reaching the European Green Deal objectives. For example, cities are responsible for approximately 75 % of global CO2 emissions. Smart cities and communities are possible solutions to reduce these emissions and show how the twin transitions can take place in a holistic, systemic manner. Information and Communication Technology-based solutions could reduce commuting by 15-20 % and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 10-15 %, while local Digital Twins could significantly improve cities’ ability to simulate or model the impact of policies. At the same time, there are areas where the two transitions can hamper each other. For example, the expansion of digital infrastructure will need to be kept in line with the aims of the green transition, particularly regarding the energy consumption and the environmental footprint of such digital infrastructure.

Taking an integrated approach to the challenges of reaching successful twin transitions is essential to avoid the traps of pushing two agendas separately. The green and digital transitions run in parallel, but linking them could allow us to benefit from synergies and manage the risks. Given the wide-reaching nature of these transitions, it is essential to examine their complexity and possible outcomes and consequences of their interactions. The future will be defined by how much of a success we make of the green and the digital transitions. It is therefore essential to optimise our efforts by linking the transitions effectively.

Expore IPG´s service portfolio for twin tranformation: IPG TWIN-Transformation