Sustainable Development Strategies in Digitally Transitioning Regions
Keywords:
Sustainable digital development, digital transition, technological governance, digital capacity building, green innovation, technological justiceAbstract
Objective: This study aims to identify and explain the key components and strategies of sustainable development in digitally transitioning regions, emphasizing the integration of governance, infrastructural, and environmental dimensions.
Methods and Materials: This research employed a qualitative systematic review approach. Data were collected through a comprehensive literature review from reputable international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. From more than 80 initially identified articles, 12 highly relevant and high-quality research papers focusing directly on sustainable development in the context of digital transition were purposefully selected. Data were analyzed using Nvivo software version 14 through thematic analysis, including open, axial, and selective coding stages, continued until theoretical saturation was reached.
Findings: The thematic analysis revealed three overarching strategic dimensions: (1) sustainable digital governance and policymaking, (2) digital infrastructure development and capacity building, and (3) environmental and social dynamism in digital transition. The results indicated that synergy between transparent policymaking, green infrastructures, digital literacy enhancement, and technological justice serves as the foundation for achieving sustainable digital transformation.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that sustainable digital development requires an integrated, interdisciplinary framework that aligns technological innovation with ethical responsibility, social equity, and environmental protection. This study provides a conceptual framework for policymakers and practitioners in digitally transitioning regions to design forward-looking and sustainability-oriented policies.
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