Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Global Digital Transformation

The Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Global Digital Transformation (SET) research group has set itself the goal of addressing issues relating to digitalisation, particularly in the global South. Through the inclusion of social needs and effective stakeholder communication; future-oriented, sustainable and locally sensitive approaches will be developed in ten countries. With a particular focus on the topics of entrepreneurship, the future of work, and issues of AI in connection with sustainability and climate protection, HIIG is working with local stakeholders to build application-oriented expertise. This will be made usable across countries and contribute to building an international knowledge community. The exchange of knowledge and the strengthening of cooperation between different countries is intended to support sustainable digitalisation that is appropriate to local conditions.

Research focus

Thematically, two focal points have been set,  and will be worked on within the framework of research sprints, studies and case studies.

	Digitalisation and Entrepreneurship This research project examines sustainable digital entrepreneurship, the gig economy and the future of work. Here, the focus is on regulating platforms and strengthening workers' rights in the digital space.
	Digitalisation and Climate This research project focuses on ecological sustainability and climate resilience. It not only questions how the digital economy can be made climate neutral, but also participates in the development of digital solutions to existing climate issues.

Knowledge communication

Throughout the research process, there is a regular exchange with the relevant local stakeholders. The results are prepared in such a way that they can be used by a broad target group and are available in the long term.

	Multi-stakeholder dialogues & transfer events Innovative event formats are used to capture relevant stakeholder perspectives and relate them to each other. In particular, local networks including the Network of Centers and the Digital Transformation Centers (DTCs) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are integrated.
	Knowledge database By establishing a knowledge database, best practices can be recorded and made available to interested parties.