Sustainability

Data is considered “new gold” or “oil of the 21st century”. Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based on it enable us to optimize existing processes in companies and to develop new, disruptive business models. Technological innovations benefit consumers, businesses, society and the environment. But the undisputed benefits and opportunities of digitization are related to risks of misuse of data, ethical issues and the risk of rebound effects. The increasing global interconnectedness of the economy makes nation-state regulations impossible. Companies are therefore called upon to make digitization sustainable right from the start on the basis of a voluntary commitment.

In light of the three major global transformations of globalization, digitalization and sustainabilization industrial production faces new challenges and targets. On the one hand industrial modernization in the direction of digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0) has to cope with the new protectionist policies that have started in the United States as a countermovement to globalization. On the other hand, the new vocal demand for climate protection and environmental quality assurance puts pressure on the industry to align its policies with the demand for ecological modernization. It is essential that industrial policy makers include not only efficiency goals as targets for their investment plans but also environmental quality and social compatibility. Keywords:

Profit is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for long-term business success. Global problems such as climate change, depletion of natural resources and overpopulation, but also local environmental pollution and emphasis on social aspects increase the significance of sustainability for enterprises. Sustainability is already implemented in the guiding principles of all DAX 30 enterprises and accepted as maxim of action by 90 % of Fortune 500 enterprises [1]. Starting from a definition of sustainability, the subsequent contribution discusses sustainability effects of industry 4.0 concerning the economic, ecologic, and social dimension [2].

The complexity of logistic networks and systems is growing in today’s globalized world. Consequently, there is a rising demand on digitalization in this sector in order to gain a competitive advantage on the market. This paper introduces policy instruments suitable to boost the demand for uptake of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the logistics sector. Experts and stakeholders have been consulted on this topic and an EUwide survey has been launched. The consultations indicated barriers for the implementation of relevant technologies and showcased the appropriate demand-side policy measures able to overcome these barriers, thus motiva-ting companies to digitalize. As a result, several instruments to boost ICT-implementation in transport and logistics were recommended to the policy makers.