: Digital Transformation

GIZ understands digital transformation as the global and dynamic structural change triggered by digitalisation. This process of change influences political, economic and social spheres of life and enables sustainable societies.

The process of digital transformation offers great opportunities for international cooperation. It can only be successful if it is based on a people-oriented and fair balance between social justice, political responsibility, ecological balance and economic performance.

The global megatrend of digitalisation is accompanied by many significant opportunities, but also risks, which concern GIZ in its work and development processes. The major challenge is therefore to shape the digital transformation in a sustainable way and at the same time to link it closely with social goals.

Opportunities and risks of the digital transformation

The digital transformation can mean both opportunities and risks for the most diverse areas of a society's life. The analysis and consideration of these positive as well as negative potentials offer GIZ the opportunity to identify relevant areas of international cooperation and to design projects accordingly.

Opportunities of digital transformation are, for example, the improved accessibility of target groups and thus the increased broad impact. Digital networking facilitates the exchange of knowledge in partnerships and networks. In addition, freely availableand publicly accessible resources can create new gateways for change processes.

Risks that need to be considered in the context of the digital transformation are for instance impacts on the environment and raw materials, as well as the lack of institutional capacity, IT and cyber security. In terms of societies, the shift to the digital space can see increased manipulation, disinformation and polarisation. The widening of the digital divide is also a serious risk.

GIZ for digital transformation

The digital transformation impacts all areas of life and affects aspects of society as a whole. For this reason, GIZ uses a variety of tried and tested cross-sectoral approaches, instruments and solutions to design projects in the best possible way. The aim is to exploit the opportunities outlined above while at the same time reducing risks. In this way, partners are supported in making their governmental, economic and social activities more sustainable, inclusive and fit for the future.