Editorial | Open Access
Fostering Socially and Ecologically Sustainable Digitalisation of Welfare States
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Abstract: This thematic issue discusses how AI and digital technologies often overlook vulnerable citizens and reinforce inequalities. Articles highlight challenges like digital exclusion, excessive reliance on individual agency, and declining institutional trust. Socially sustainable digitalisation must ensure equitable access, offer in‐person alternatives when needed, and uphold legitimacy. Often neglected ecological concerns must also be addressed through responsible data use and energy‐conscious ICT systems. Achieving sustainability requires coherent policies that embed sustainability principles into welfare technology. Interdisciplinary research, citizen involvement, and empowering citizens are essential for a truly sustainable welfare state.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; digitalisation; social sustainability; trust; welfare system
Published:
Issue:
Vol 13 (2025): Fostering the Socially and Ecologically Sustainable Digitalisation of Welfare States
© Paula Saikkonen, Marta Choroszewicz. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction of the work without further permission provided the original author(s) and source are credited.