Green ICT Adoption and Challenges: Evidence from the Finnish ICT Sector

Abstract

For better or worse, information, communication, and technology (ICT) is taking over most part of our lives. During the past few years, organizations, industries, and educational and health institutions that could utilize the power of ICT and digitalization maintained high productivity, efficiency, economic and social resilience. Yet, at the same time, the trend towards digital transformation is contributing its fair share to increased energy consumption, e-waste, and carbon emissions. The challenge is how to ensure that organizations successfully embark on their digital strategy with sustainability at the center of the digital transformation. In this study, we aim to understand the motivations and needs of organizations towards adopting green ICT as a response to the sustainable development agenda. Through an exploratory and qualitative study, we surveyed ICT-related organizations to understand their motivations and challenges to adopting green ICT. Our findings show a lack of green ICT awareness and a vague corporate strategy for green ICT adoption. This study provides a foundation for practitioners and policymakers to develop strategies and support systems to enhance the organizational green ICT transformation agenda.