The relationship between Italians, sustainability, and digitalization is a complex one, as highlighted by the latest edition of the Observatory of the Foundation for Digital Sustainability. The DISI™ index, which correlates sustainability and digitalization, aims to study how Italians perceive the relationship between these two themes and experience them in their daily lives. According to Stefano Epifani, the president of the Foundation, understanding this relationship is crucial for institutions and companies to better understand their users and customers and define the right strategies to engage with them.
The research reveals interesting and diverse dynamics of digital sustainability in Italy, which are largely dependent on the size of population centers. A comparison between large cities and small municipalities shows differences in awareness, skills, and behaviors related to sustainability and digitalization. Interestingly, the gap in these aspects is more associated with the size of the municipality rather than its geographical location. This means that large cities have more similarities with each other just like small towns rather than with small towns in different regions.
Residents of both large towns and small towns see digital technology as a useful tool for promoting environmental and economic sustainability. However, there are slight variations in levels of agreement between the two contexts. For example, a higher percentage of residents in large towns consider digital technology very useful for environmental protection compared to those in small towns. Overall, both groups show broad acceptance of digital technology as a key tool for sustainability, demonstrating a shared understanding of its importance for both environmental and economic aspects.
In conclusion, understanding the relationship between Italians’ perception of sustainability and digitalization is vital for institutions and companies looking to engage effectively with their users or customers. While there may be slight variations depending on town size or location within Italy’s diverse landscape
