As we probably already know, innovation can take different forms: Either as continuous and incremental renewal or through disruption and shock. This second form of innovation involves risks and uncertainties, fundamentally changes processes and procedures and can lead to high profits despite or precisely because of these risks. The development of digitalization in Germany throughout the coronavirus pandemic is a disruptive form of innovation. It is worth taking stock and assessing what effects this shock has had on digital transformation. It turns out that the pandemic has sharpened focus particularly on sustainable digitalization.
Working life has changed significantly for many people throughout the world since March 2020, with a large number of employees working remotely from home. Although some have now returned to offices due to the relaxation of infection prevention measures, the prevalence of remote working enforced by the pandemic has contributed to a cultural change that can no longer be reversed. Looking at the bigger picture, there are a broad range of perspectives on digital transformation in society. Digital transformation is not insular, it affects every area of society. With more digital systems in place, securing technology and processes is becoming a greater priority in social discourse: Increasing attack vectors and the rising threat from cybercriminals or other attackers affect consumers and businesses alike.
Sustainability is another crucial issue. However, there is considerable tension between the social megatrends of digital transformation and sustainability: Environmental protection, climate change response, energy transformation and carbonization are value contradictions in a digitalized world. The new federal government in Germany has also addressed this issue and is not simply prioritizing digital transformation for the sake of it.
Digital transformation needs to be secure and sustainable. Recently, two studies have been published by Öko-Institut e.V and Initiative D21 that deal with sustainable digitalization in different ways. Their findings underline the impact of the pandemic on digitalization and its knock-on effects on the climate and society.
Working from home instead of commuting
Oeko-Institut e.V. has investigated the impact of working from home on the environment and employees – in particular how remote working has led to fewer emissions. The findings are astoundingly clear: Over 3.7 million tons of greenhouse gases could be saved by remote working. This effect has already been partially achieved during the pandemic: Up to 70% of employees have worked at least partly from home. In 2021, an average of 38 billion kilometers of commuting and work travel were saved, which represents a decrease of more than 17% compared to the average of 215 billion passenger kilometers traveled in 2017. A further argument in favor of remote work is that 93% of work journeys were made in employees’ own vehicles. On balance, the reduction in commuting caused by working from home is good for the environment. And a turnaround could be achieved impressively quickly: ‘Our research shows that the greenhouse gas balance can fall regardless of the mode of transport chosen and from just one day at home per week,’ says Konstantin Kreye, Oeko-Institut e.V.
Employees want to continue to make use of the opportunities of remote work with a clear majority: Up to 93% of employees would like to continue working from home, mostly in a flexible model involving office and remote work.