Technology’s role in social sustainability

Technology has a critical role to play in any organization’s social sustainability strategy. And according to a survey from NTT, a majority of senior executives recognize this and are actively working to harness digital technology and innovation to support their social sustainability initiatives.  

In North America, 59 percent of C-suite executives surveyed said digital innovation is essential for achieving their social sustainability goals.

That number is set to grow. The survey anticipates an increase of 40 percent on average in the use of technology for social sustainability over the next twelve to twenty-four months. Notably, the adoption of online games and team-building tools for diversity and inclusion is expected to expand quickly, with a 125 percent increase projected.

How technology is used for social sustainability

• Governance and ethical practices: Data security and privacy technologies are critical for good governance, particularly in our digital-first world where cybersecurity risks are on the rise. In addition, companies are adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data management systems, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance practices.

• Employee engagement and well-being: The move towards hybrid and remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted organizations to embrace digital technologies to support employee engagement and well-being. Companies are using analytics to identify hazards and safety issues, while deploying a range of tools such as virtual collaboration and digital wellness apps to support a positive work environment.

• Diversity and inclusion: Diversity and inclusion initiatives can be supported by data analytics, online games, and team-building tools, enabling organizations to monitor progress and foster inclusive workplace cultures. By leveraging augmented intelligence and talent acquisition tools, companies can cultivate diverse talent pools while advancing social sustainability objectives.

• Sustainable supply chains and ecosystems: A growing number of firms use technology to incorporate suppliers into their sustainability strategy. Firms are using smart sensors and drones, cloud technologies, ERP tools, and forecasting models to optimize supply chains and drive innovation.

• Community engagement and wellbeing: True social sustainability includes the community in which a business operates. Companies use websites, digital platforms and social media to share information with communities, and some are also using mobile apps and organizing virtual events.

• Customer engagement and wellbeing: Almost 40 percent of firms surveyed use tech-enabled products, services and channels to provide a personalized customer experience, such as digital assistants, personalization software and customer sentiment analysis software.

The future of innovation and social sustainability

As businesses chart a course towards social sustainability, the strategic integration of digital innovation and technology can be an important key to success. By leveraging the power of technology, companies can not only achieve their sustainability goals but also foster innovation, well-being, and prosperity over the long term.

Priority technologies by industry

• Financial Services: Data security and digital chat bots
  • 72 percent of financial services organizations surveyed plan to invest in data security and digital chatbots as customers move from in-person to online banking.

• Automotive & Manufacturing: Data security and privacy
  • 78 percent of automotive & manufacturing companies surveyed plan to invest in data security and privacy as autonomous driving makes security more critical than ever.

• Healthcare: Cloud technology
  • 68 percent of healthcare institutions surveyed see cloud adoption enabling improved efficiency and data sharing.

• Telecoms: Digital chat bots and customer interaction tools
  • 70 percent of telecom companies surveyed said their priority is a better focus on the customer.

Learn more about the business case for social responsibility.