Digital transformation and SDG’s: a systematic review of synergies and risks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71068/regfc279Keywords:
digital transformation, SDGs, sustainability, systematic review, digital divideAbstract
Digital transformation, driven by disruptive and cutting-edge technologies, is crucial for social, organizational, and institutional reconfiguration. Its relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda is of growing interest, as it can catalyze the achievement of 119 of the 169 SDG targets by improving efficiency, transparency, inclusion, and sustainability. However, it entails risks such as increased inequalities and ethical dilemmas. This research, through a systematic review of recent literature, analyzed how academia has explored the relationship between digital transformation and SDGs in the last five years. A qualitative methodology based on a systematic literature review (PRISMA) was used. The search was conducted in multidisciplinary databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Scilit) using key terms in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, filtering for peer-reviewed articles from 2020 to 2025, and selecting and analyzing 30 articles that met the criteria. The results show that digital transformation contributes significantly to the SDGs in areas such as economic growth, sustainable industry, inclusion, environmental sustainability, public services and governance, education, and employment. This contribution depends on an inclusive and sustainable approach. Challenges include resistance to change, digital divides, and infrastructure limitations. It is concluded that digital transformation is a powerful tool to drive sustainable development, but its full potential requires a strategic, inclusive, and ethical approach that mitigates risks and maximizes opportunities to achieve the SDGs.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Carluys Suescum Coelho, Car Emyr Suescum Coelho, Carlysmar Suescum Coelho, Carelys Suescum Coelho, Carmen María Coelho Freitas (Autor/a)
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