SociaL4ICT – ICT4SociaL
At D4P, we believe that digital innovation should go hand-in-hand with social sustainability.
In this regard, we work towards both on Social for ICT and on ICT for Social as follows:
SociaL4ICT
We integrate our social impact on the digital through our SSH research and innovation expertise (including policy mapping, regulatory decoding, privacy and ethics analysis, sociological surveys, citizen engagement), thus enhancing the overall societal effects of the related R&I projects and activities, for example:
- We participate in and/or lead citizen co-creation and inclusion in data-, connectivity-, and circular economy-related initiatives (e.g. ENFORCE; 6G4Society; our work for EU Green week 2025)
- We are involved in the workings of Social Acceptance of Technology (SAT) and Key Value Indicators (KVIs) models (e.g. 6G4Society)
ICT4SociaL
We believe that, to truly serve society, digital technologies must be:
- Inclusive and equal: ensuring fair and equal access to digital tools, services, and spaces—where diversity is valued, and no one is left behind.
- Rights-respecting: upholding privacy, safety, and fundamental rights in the digital world, as we do in the physical one.
- Supportive of well-being: supporting digital solutions to enhance mental, physical, and social well-being for people of all ages and backgrounds.
All Areas of Expertise
Climate-Neutral and Sustainable Smart Cities
Digital Sustainability
Green Cloud-Edge-IoT Computing
Responsible and Efficient AI
SociaL4ICT – ICT4SociaL
Sustainable Energy Transition
Sustainable Food Systems
Towards a Sustainable Internet
Zero Pollution Communication Networks
Why it matters?
The digital transition is transforming how we live, work, and connect—but this shift must also empower people and communities, including the underrepresented ones. While digitalisation offers countless opportunities, it also exposes stark inequalities and risks. Some of the most pressing issues include:
- Limited access: over 120 million people in the EU still lack basic internet access (Digital Society and Economy Index)
- Digital literacy gaps: almost 50% of Europeans do not possess basic digital skills (Eurostat)
- Gender disparities: women represent only a quarter of the ICT workforce globally and in Europe (She Figures, 2021; EU Gender Equality Report, 2023)
GREEN CLOUD-EDGE-IoT COMPUTING
Working Group
The Digital for Planet Green Cloud-Edge-IoT Computing Working Group focuses on measuring and improving Cloud-Edge-IoT energy and environmental footprint and identifying major challenges and priorities.
Activities:
Analysing, connecting, and participating in programmes to study and assess the footprint of the Cloud-Edge-IoT continuum.
Scouting, investigating, and proposing architecture, models, and technical solutions to reduce the footprint.
Assessing, discussing, developing, and proposing approaches and guidelines for policy development in the domain of sustainable and energy-efficient ICT.
Discussing, supporting, and promoting initiatives dealing with social, economic, and behavioural aspects of sustainable digital transformation.
Identifying and studying policy-driven and regulatory frameworks for sustainable Cloud-Edge-IoT development and usage, aiming to create liaisons with relevant stakeholders.
Why join the Green Cloud-Edge-IoT Computing Working Group?
- Contribute to shaping a more sustainable Cloud-Edge-IoT continuum at a European level.
- Discuss and develop new proposal ideas and projects to advance environmental sustainability along the entire value chain.
- Accelerate research and innovation priorities of EU policies.
- Get the latest information on the available EU funding opportunities.
- Extend your scientific network and build quality partnerships with experts and stakeholders from key disciplines and initiatives.
- Promote your outcomes, technologies, and know-how.
Who can participate?
Representatives from organisations that are part of the Digital for Planet community eager to pave the way to a sustainable Cloud-Edge-IoT continuum.
Interested in contributing to this Working Group but not a Digital for Planet member yet? Learn how to become a member and get involved!
