The use of advanced technologies to improve sustainability is an object of debate across industries, and so are questions tied to its potential impact on the world of work – how could AI, big data, or 5G impact job skills requirements? How can we make company processes more sustainable, without compromising workers’ rights? What key technologies have the potential to become essential to sustainable company processes?
These are some of the questions that underlie our recent report for “Accelerating Sustainability in Telecoms”, a project led by the social partners in telecommunications ETNO and UNI Europa ICTS. The report focuses on the European Telecommunication industry, and based on engagement with this ecosystem, it presents possible avenues for advanced technology implementation, focusing on technologies that have the potential to enhance both sustainability and workers’ welfare.
Technology for sustainability
The report begins with presenting the ways in which sustainability can be achieved through technology implementation in the telecom industry. The primary role of telecommunications companies (also known as telcos) in the twin transition is recognised as technology enablers; by providing connectivity, telcos are the first link of the chain when it comes to implementing sustainable technologies in other industries and ecosystems. Nevertheless, telcos can also create direct environmental impact by implementing sustainable solutions within their own operations, from using renewable energies and smart energy metres in their offices to rolling out Internet of Things (IoT) data flow sensors in their data centres and using AI to optimise the energy consumption of radio stations.
11 disruptive technologies
The study compiled a list of 11 key technologies, selected according to their possibility for sustainable impact, and for their potential to change working conditions:
- Artificial intelligence
- Big data and analytics
- Cloud computing
- Edge computing
- Internet of Things
- Quantum technology
- Optic fibre and GPON technology
- Blockchain and technologies for cybersecurity
- Extended reality
- 5G and 6G networks
- xRAN
The study engaged with representatives from the European telecommunications industry, in order to present case studies and best practices for each of these technologies, with the aim to stimulate technology adoption and discussion among ETNO members and their social partners. The contents of the report will be presented to 3 roundtables for these purposes, and the research report has been coupled with a series of 11 infographics, with the aim of facilitating the diffusion of findings in a reader-friendly way.
Reorganisation of work and the new labour market
When analysing the impact of technology on sustainability, the study took into account the possible impact of each technology on the world of work, and specifically on working conditions, work organisation, and skills required by employees in affected roles.
The findings varied according to the technology examined, but all pointed towards a significant shift in how work is performed and organised, as well as the future need of upskilling and re-skilling programmes. Concrete examples are the increasing prevalence of telework, or the growing concerns for the use of algorithmic management in workplaces. However, the evidence collected points at strengthened social dialogue as a key solution for the issues that may arise from technology implementation: early involvement of workers and their representatives in the process has been observed to reduce concerns in workers and stimulate a positive attitude, as well as establishing labour-friendly ways to implement technology for sustainability.
Interested in learning more?
If you are keen to learn more about this project, the findings, and to see the full list of recommendations, check out the full study here.
