Why IT Is the Key to Sustainable Transformation – and Why Europe Must Lead

From digitalisation to decarbonisation: without IT, the transition won’t succeed. From CO₂ tracking to the circular economy – digitalisation is the key to sustainability. The time for European action is now.

By Jan Nintemann and JochenSiegle
Photo: Josh Riemer

The world is facing a critical turning point. The climate crisis, resource scarcity and geopolitical uncertainty are forcing economies and societies to rethink the way they operate.

At the heart of this transformation lies a seemingly modest yet essential lever: information technology (IT). Without intelligent data processing, automation and digital infrastructure, there can be no ecological transition.

IT as an enabler of the Green Economy
Whether it’s smart grids, the circular economy, e-mobility, smart homes or ESG reporting requirements – all these systems depend on reliable IT. Digital platforms enable transparency on CO₂ emissions across supply chains. AI can optimise resource consumption. Cloud infrastructures allow companies to design business processes with lower emissions.

According to Bitkom, Germany’s digital industry association, the use of digital technologies in Germany alone could reduce CO₂ emissions by around 152 megatonnes by 2030 – more than Austria’s entire annual output.

Europe: Regulator and innovator
Europe has set itself ambitious goals: the EU aims to be climate neutral by 2050. But this transformation requires more than political targets. It demands concrete technologies, functioning digital ecosystems – and an economy that is both digitally enabled and sustainability-focused.

The EU plays a dual role: on the one hand, it sets binding frameworks through initiatives like the Green Deal, the CSRD directive and the Digital Decade targets. On the other hand, it supports innovation via Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe Programme and targeted greentech investments.

But the road ahead is difficult. Europe still lags significantly behind the US and China in terms of digital capabilities. That’s why it’s more important than ever for European companies, startups and governments to collaborate on interoperable, secure and sustainable IT solutions.

Transform IT Europe: The right impulse at the right time
Amid this period of change, Transform IT Europe launched in May 2025 with an initial springboard event in Brussels.

The kick-off brought together over 30 high-level speakers from business, academia and civil society – from global players like Bosch, BASF and Siemens to AI startups and dozens of sustainability experts.

The major debut is set for May 2026: the first full-scale Transform IT Europe Show will bring together Europe’s IT and greentech ecosystems under one roof – as a market and ideas platform, a stage for practical solutions, and a place for shaping political direction.

No sustainable transformation without IT
The event touches a nerve at exactly the right time. Europe urgently needs connecting formats that bring together technological excellence and environmental responsibility.

The sustainable transition cannot succeed without IT – but IT alone is not enough. It also requires political clarity, economic investment and public support. Europe can take the lead – if it learns to think digital and green together.

Transform IT Europe sets out to do just that – and it comes at exactly the right moment.