Decoding the Complex Relationship between Sustainability, Digitalization, and Italians: A Study by the Foundation for Digital Sustainability

The relationship between sustainability, digitalization, and Italians is complex, as highlighted by the latest edition of the Observatory of the Foundation for Digital Sustainability. The DISI™ index, which correlates sustainability and digitalization, aims to study how Italians perceive the relationship between these two themes and experience them in their daily lives. According to Stefano Epifani, the president of the Foundation, understanding this relationship is crucial for institutions and companies to better understand their users and customers and define the right strategies to engage with them.

The Observatory reveals interesting and diverse dynamics of digital sustainability in Italy. A comparison between large cities and small municipalities shows differences in awareness, skills, and behaviors related to sustainability and digitalization. Interestingly, the gap in these aspects is more associated with the size of the municipality rather than its geographical location. This means that large cities have more similarities with each other just like small towns rather than with small and large towns in the same region.

Research highlights that residents of both large and small towns see digital technology as a useful tool for promoting environmental and economic sustainability. However, there are slight variations in levels of agreement between the two contexts. For example, a higher percentage of residents in large towns consider digital technology very useful for environmental protection compared to those in small towns.

Overall, both groups show broad acceptance of digital technology as a key tool for sustainability, demonstrating a shared understanding of its importance for both environmental and economic aspects. Understanding these dynamics can help institutions and companies develop strategies that better engage with their users and customers while promoting sustainable practices.