Future-proof value creation through strategic integration of digitalisation and sustainability
In the 21st century, the trends of "digitalisation" and "sustainability" require a fundamental review of corporate processes. Companies need to realign their business models, integrate digital technologies and ensure economic, social and environmental sustainability at the same time. A holistic view of the transformations at management level creates synergies and opens up new business opportunities.
Digitalisation can support sustainability goals by optimising product and resource flows, for example through data and AI-supported approaches to the circular economy that increase recycling rates and extend product life cycles. At the same time, the growing use of digital technologies is increasing resource consumption. As a result, there is a need for resource-efficient and socially responsible practices for a sustainable digital transformation in the production and operation of digital infrastructure.
The DualStrat project focuses on the "dual transformation". This specifically and strategically integrates digitalisation and sustainability efforts and goes beyond the mere use of digitalisation in the context of "digital sustainability". It describes the process by which companies strategically drive forward their business activities with the help of digital technologies and sustainable principles in order to optimise long-term social and environmental impacts, minimise costs and risks and strengthen their reputation.
Scientific models were developed in close collaboration with industry partners to ensure practical relevance: The starting point was a reference model for central fields of action for strategic dovetailing. Based on this, a process model was developed to support companies in the development and integration of dual transformation strategies. In addition, a maturity model for sustainability management was developed that structures core capabilities into maturity levels. With the dual governance framework, the project also addressed governance-related dependencies between the two transformation logics.
The findings were put into practice in a pilot project with four companies. Paderborn University supported the project partner Weidmüller in the application of the developed models. Central building blocks for agile, data-based management of sustainability strategies were developed and implemented in practice - iteratively in parallel along the design of the strategy, the development of a consistent KPI system and the operational anchoring via a digital sustainability dashboard.
Further information on the project can be found here.
