Against this background, and in order to facilitate a broad discussion on the contribution of IT toward implementing the UN SDGs, this book is being produced. The book gathers inputs from universities, enterprises, and research organizations working on matters related to IT and sustainable development in a variety of contexts. It also provides a platform for the dissemination of information on the latest initiatives, paving the way for technology transfer and networking. Last but not least, a further aim of the book is to present methodological approaches and experiences deriving from case studies and projects, which aims to show how IT may support sustainability efforts in a wide range of settings and contexts. Digital technologies are now widely spread and the variety of tools and methods available today means that they can potentially useful in helping to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). However, the gap between technological innovation and sustainable development applications is quite wide. For instance, it is unclear how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to tackle some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity, and water management. Also, there is a need to highlight how innovative green technologies and their applications in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture may be used and to showcase how technological innovation can lead to more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
