The objectives for sustainable development are many and not always immediately relevant to the activities of an ICT in-house. In the following, an attempt is made to illustrate what the resulting relationships might be by indicating three types of actions:
– Direct Action (D): ICT activities immediately related to the achievement of the SDG.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1): first-level indirect contribution (e.g. enabling support).
– Indirect action level 2 (I2): second level indirect contribution (effects enabled through other actors).
SDG 1 – Overcoming poverty
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT can create integrated digital platforms that allow citizens in economically fragile conditions to easily access subsidies, bonuses and welfare measures. Secure authentication with SPID or CIE, combined with intuitive interfaces, reduces bureaucratic barriers. Automating the verification of requirements by linking with public databases speeds up the time it takes to disburse aid. This type of service increases social inclusion and reduces the risk of vulnerable families being excluded.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
ICT can support the digital management of regional and municipal funds for anti-poverty projects. Through online monitoring and reporting systems, public authorities can assess the impact of social policies. Transparent data also facilitates monitoring by citizens and evaluation bodies. This creates conditions for greater equity in the distribution of resources.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
A further level is the enabling of collaborative platforms between municipalities, third sector entities and associations. The secure sharing of data (while respecting privacy) makes it possible to better coordinate initiatives on the territory, avoiding overlapping. In this way, ICT becomes a ‘multiplier’ of social intervention capacity, even when the in-house organisation does not directly provide services but offers the digital infrastructure.
SDG 2 – Defeating Hunger
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT company can set up food traceability systems that ensure transparency on the provenance and safety of food. Through technologies such as blockchain and open data, short supply chains can be certified and the environmental impact of production controlled. This strengthens the trust of citizens and institutions in distribution. Furthermore, digital food stock management systems help school and community canteens to reduce waste.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
Digital logistics platforms can be developed to better coordinate food distribution flows, especially in rural or marginal areas. Through predictive systems based on consumption and demand data, delivery routes can be optimised and losses reduced. ICT solutions can also connect to intelligent agricultural systems, helping producers and distributors to better manage surpluses.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
An in-house ICT can create digital tools that facilitate the work of solidarity networks, food banks and charities. Through collaborative apps and platforms, citizens and businesses can donate food surpluses more easily. This approach not only reduces waste, but also strengthens the social fabric of the area. ICT thus becomes an indirect facilitator of widespread solidarity initiatives.
SDG 3 – Health and well-being
– Direct Action (D):
In-house ICTs can implement telemedicine platforms, online health booking systems and interoperable electronic health records. These tools reduce waiting lists, improve accessibility for those living far from hospital centres and increase the quality of care. An integrated ICT system also allows doctors to have a complete and up-to-date view of the patient, improving diagnosis and continuity of care.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
ICT can contribute to well-being through environmental monitoring systems: IoT sensors for air, water and noise quality integrated with regional platforms. These data, made available in real time, enable administrations to activate preventive policies. In addition, citizens can be informed through alert apps and public dashboards. Health is thus protected indirectly by acting on environmental determinants.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
A further level is support for healthcare big data research and analysis platforms. In-house ICT can set up the infrastructure and systems to analyse large volumes of clinical data, again in anonymous form. These analyses help healthcare institutions plan more targeted prevention policies and predict the evolution of epidemics. ICT does not provide direct cures, but creates the conditions for more scientific and timely decisions.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT company can design and manage e-learning platforms dedicated to schools, public authorities and citizens’ continuing education. These platforms can integrate multimedia content, online assessment tools and virtual classrooms, ensuring educational continuity even in emergency situations (such as pandemics). Secure access via digital identity ensures the traceability of learning paths. This broadens the educational offer and reduces inequalities in access to education.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
In-house ICT can promote digital inclusion projects by providing broadband connections and devices to disadvantaged students. This reduces the digital divide and enables everyone to benefit from modern educational tools. In addition, it can develop monitoring systems that alert schools and local authorities to situations of technological disadvantage. ICT thus becomes an enabler of equity in education.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
ICT can support online guidance platforms and matching systems between schools, universities and the world of work. Through data analysis algorithms, customised training paths can be suggested based on skills, aptitudes and market demand. This helps reduce school drop-outs and promote job placement. In-house does not do education directly, but provides digital tools to improve educational choices.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT can promote specific digital literacy courses and programmes aimed at women and girls, particularly in rural or remote areas. This type of intervention increases digital skills, reduces the gender technology gap and opens up new job opportunities. The active promotion of women in the ICT teams of the in-house itself is also a virtuous example of inclusion.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
ICT can offer secure digital platforms that support anti-violence centres and protection services. Mobile applications with early warning systems, secure chats and geolocation can help women in dangerous situations. Furthermore, the analysis of anonymised data can contribute to more effective public policies in the prevention of gender-based violence.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
A further level is the development of ICT tools that foster flexible working and smart working. Offering secure and accessible collaborative platforms facilitates the reconciliation of work and family life, reducing barriers that often penalise women. This not only helps female workers, but also promotes cultural change in public and private organisations.
SDG 6 – Clean water and sanitation
– Direct Action (D):
In-house ICT can develop IoT systems for real-time monitoring of water networks, measuring water quality and detecting leaks. These systems enable utilities to intervene early and reduce waste. The collected data can be integrated into dashboards available to administrations and citizens, increasing transparency and trust.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
Through data management platforms, ICT can support strategic decisions by water agencies. Predictive models based on big data help to plan investments and prevent water shortages. Historical data analysis, cross-referenced with climate indicators, becomes a valuable tool for long-term policies.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
A further level is the enabling of open data portals that make data on water quality and resource use accessible to citizens, researchers and associations. In this way, the community can contribute to awareness-raising, research and civic control. ICT does not directly manage water, but enables more open and participatory governance.
SDG 7 – Clean and Affordable Energy
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT can implement smart grid and local energy community management platforms, enabling citizens to share renewable energy production (e.g. photovoltaics). Through integrated digital systems, consumption and production can be monitored in real time, optimising self-consumption and reducing costs. Furthermore, data transparency strengthens citizens’ confidence in the energy transition.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
ICT can develop solutions for monitoring energy consumption in public and private buildings. Through sensors and dashboards, administrations can identify waste and plan efficiency measures. These systems, integrated into regional platforms, can generate automatic reports useful for reporting results against environmental targets.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
A further level is support through predictive analysis tools that help public authorities and companies to steer investments in renewable energy. Mathematical models based on climate and consumption data make it possible to estimate future production and optimise the location of solar or wind power plants. In this way, ICT contributes to more effective political and economic choices.
SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT company can create regional or national job matching portals, integrated with employment centre systems. Through advanced algorithms, citizens can find job opportunities more easily, while companies identify suitable candidates. These systems can also offer customised digital training paths to improve employability.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
ICT can support the digitisation of SMEs by providing cloud solutions, IT security and e-commerce tools. In this way, local businesses improve competitiveness and create new job opportunities. Shared platforms reduce technology costs for small companies and cooperatives. In-house acts as a catalyst for territorial economic growth.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
A broader level concerns the creation of innovation ecosystems based on shared ICT infrastructures. In-house can manage digital hubs that foster the development of start-ups, research projects and public-private collaborations. These digital and physical spaces become incubators for new ideas and skills, indirectly contributing to the creation of skilled jobs.
SDG 9 – Business, Innovation and Infrastructure
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT company has as its natural mission the implementation and management of digital infrastructures: regional data centres, ultra-wideband networks, public clouds. These assets are crucial to ensure resilience, security and digital sovereignty. This strengthens the infrastructure base on which innovative public and private services are grafted.
– Indirect Action Level 1 (I1):
In addition to the infrastructure, an indirect contribution is the development of interoperability platforms and APIs that enable the secure exchange of data between entities and enterprises. These solutions enable the creation of new digital services, fostering innovation. In-house thus becomes a ‘technological bridge’ that connects different systems.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
At a higher level, in-house ICT can support research and development on AI, IoT, cybersecurity and big data by providing computing infrastructure and test environments. This enables universities, start-ups and companies to experiment under secure and low-cost conditions. The indirect effect is the growth of an innovation ecosystem on the ground.
SDG 10 – Reducing inequalities
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT company can design digital portals and applications with universal accessibility criteria. This also enables people with visual, hearing or motor disabilities to use online public services without barriers. The use of inclusive and simple interfaces reduces digital inequalities. Thus, technology becomes a tool for social inclusion and not exclusion.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
One indirect contribution is the development of digital literacy programmes targeting frail, elderly or migrant citizens. Courses, self-learning platforms and assisted digital counters help reduce the skills gap. This increases the ability of all citizens to access digital rights. In-house ICT acts as a facilitator of digital welfare.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
A broader level concerns the creation of online participatory platforms that give voice to marginalised communities. Digital systems for public consultations, participatory budgets or thematic forums allow underrepresented groups to express needs and proposals. Thus, ICTs not only reduce inequalities of access, but also amplify democratic representation.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT company can develop smart city solutions: intelligent lighting management, connected traffic lights, traffic sensors and sustainable mobility. These systems improve the quality of urban life by reducing pollution and energy consumption. Integrated platforms can provide real-time information to citizens on public transport and soft mobility.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
An indirect contribution is the development of open data platforms to support participatory urban planning. Through interactive maps and dashboards, citizens and decision-makers can analyse data on air quality, public green, housing and mobility. This promotes more informed and shared urban planning decisions.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
At a higher level, ICT can support digital systems for emergency management and urban resilience (civil protection, weather alerts, crisis coordination). In-house provides secure and interoperable platforms that enable local authorities, police forces and citizens to communicate and collaborate during critical events. This enhances social as well as environmental sustainability.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT can create digital platforms to promote reuse and the circular economy. For example, portals for the exchange of used goods between citizens, or material traceability systems to extend the useful life of products. This reduces waste and encourages more sustainable consumption.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
An important contribution is the development of ICT systems for monitoring the waste cycle, from origin to separate collection and disposal or recycling. The data collected helps municipalities and companies to optimise processes and reduce environmental impact. Reporting platforms can also certify the performance of environmental management services.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
At a broader level, in-house ICT can support awareness-raising campaigns through educational digital channels: apps, portals and social media dedicated to conscious consumption. The dissemination of information on food waste, responsible water use or sustainable purchasing encourages virtuous behaviour in the population. ICT thus becomes a cultural as well as a technical vehicle.
SDG 13 – Combating climate change
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT can develop platforms for monitoring CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions at regional and municipal level. These systems collect data from environmental sensors, industrial plants and transport, providing clear indicators for administrations. Dashboards help monitor the progress of decarbonisation plans and communicate progress to citizens. ICT thus becomes an engine for transparency and climate responsibility.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
A further contribution is the development of digital early warning systems for extreme weather events (floods, heat waves, fires). ICT platforms can disseminate notifications via apps, SMS or integrated emergency systems, ensuring fast and effective information. This reduces risks for the population and strengthens the climate resilience of the territory.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
On a broader level, in-house can provide big data analysis tools and predictive models to support climate policies. By cross-referencing historical, satellite and weather-climate data, future scenarios can be simulated and adaptation plans can be oriented. In this way, ICT does not combat climate change directly, but provides indispensable knowledge for strategic decisions.
SDG 14 – Life under water
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT can implement IoT systems for monitoring water quality in rivers, lakes and coastlines. Connected sensors measure parameters such as dissolved oxygen, PH, presence of microplastics and pollutants. The data collected are analysed in real time and made available to local authorities and environmental authorities. This enables rapid action to protect aquatic ecosystems.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
An indirect contribution is the creation of open data portals on the marine and river environment, which make information accessible to researchers, citizens and environmental associations. Transparency on water data stimulates civic participation and encourages widespread monitoring of protection policies. It also encourages the use of data in education.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
At a higher level, ICT can support scientific research and citizen science projects by providing platforms for collecting and analysing citizen reports (e.g. sightings of marine species, pollution phenomena). These tools extend the monitoring capacity by involving the population. In-house thus becomes an enabler of widespread knowledge networks.
SDG 15 – Life on Earth
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT can manage GIS platforms and monitoring systems for terrestrial ecosystems: forests, natural parks, agricultural areas. Through satellite images and drones integrated in digital systems, deforestation, land use changes and biodiversity loss can be detected. This supports administrations in sustainable land management.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
An indirect contribution is the development of ICT systems for fire prevention and environmental emergency management. IoT sensors and predictive algorithms can detect risk situations (temperature, humidity, wind) and trigger alerts. Digital coordination platforms link civil protection, fire brigades and local administrations, improving response times.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
At a broader level, in-house ICT can promote environmental open data and digital educational tools. Making data on biodiversity, protected areas and land consumption accessible stimulates public awareness and encourages sustainable behaviour. The use of apps and interactive portals contributes to a shared culture of environmental protection.
SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT company can implement open government and administrative transparency platforms. Portals that collect and publish data on budgets, procurement and public decisions increase citizens’ trust. Integration with tracking and visualisation tools makes information comprehensible to all. In this way, ICT directly contributes to more accountable and solid institutions.
– Indirect Action Level 1 (I1):
An indirect contribution is the development of digital identity systems and electronic signatures that enhance the security and legal validity of online interactions. These tools reduce bureaucracy and make it easier to access public services. Trust in digital is growing, and with it the perception of more trustworthy institutions.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
At a higher level, in-house ICTs can support civic participation platforms that enable citizens to contribute to consultations, reporting and co-design. These tools enable a more inclusive and transparent democracy. ICT does not make political decisions, but creates the safe and technological space where they can mature in a participatory manner.
SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals
– Direct Action (D):
An in-house ICT can provide shared digital infrastructures that support collaboration between public authorities, universities, businesses and the third sector. Regional data centres, cloud platforms and secure communication networks are the technological basis for joint projects. Thus, ICT becomes the architecture on which to build strong and lasting partnerships.
– Indirect action level 1 (I1):
One indirect contribution is the creation of online collaborative platforms (regional intranets, digital spaces for European projects, shared project management tools). These tools enable different actors to work together in a more coordinated way, overcoming organisational and geographical barriers. In-house becomes the ‘technological facilitator’ of cooperation networks.
– Indirect action level 2 (I2):
At a broader level, ICT can support the participation of local authorities in international networks and European programmes by providing tools for interoperability, automatic translation and digital management of project data. This facilitates the exchange of good practices and the implementation of transnational initiatives. In this way, technology becomes the common language of global partnerships.