Shaping Sustainable Digitalization Together: andagon at Bits & Bäume NRW 26

How can technological progress and ecological responsibility go hand in hand? This question was at the heart of the two-day Bits & Bäume NRW 26 conference – and it has never been more relevant.

Digitalization consumes resources: data centers, end devices, and data streams. At the same time, it offers enormous potential for achieving sustainability goals more efficiently. Resolving this contradiction requires open dialogue between science, civil society, and industry practice. Bits & Bäume NRW 26 created exactly that space – and we were there.

What was Bits & Bäume NRW 26?

The conference was coordinated by Eine Welt Netz NRW and the Institute for Communication Sciences at the University of Münster, with support from the Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS). Over two days, representatives from research, public administration, and politics came together to discuss the intersection of digitalisation and sustainability.

The agenda covered topics such as open data, non-discriminatory algorithms, digital sovereignty, and the ecological footprint of digital infrastructure. Representatives from the Sustainability Technologies Lab at Hochschule Bochum and from andagon people GmbH both attended the event.

Tag 1: Understanding where we stand

The first day opened with an overview of the current state of digital transformation – including its complexity and the challenges it brings. The opening speakers made one thing clear: this is not only about ecological impact. Sustainable digitalisation encompasses all three pillars: environmental, social, and economic, and the relationships between them.

Workshop: Digital Sovereignty under the microscope

A central element of the conference was a choice of four parallel workshops. Our team opted for Workshop 2: "Sovereignty, openness, and sustainability as key criteria for working with software, data, and artificial intelligence" – closely aligned with our own areas of focus.

In the workshop, participants analyzed the concept of "digital sovereignty" using affinity mapping. The categories that emerged corresponded to core aspects such as technological independence and data governance. Key discussion points included:

• Pros and cons from FOSS (Free and Open-Source Software) compared to commercial software solutions
• FAIR- and CARE-Principles as a foundation for responsible data management
• Security and digital competency

The discussions yielded valuable insights: how do stakeholders from academia and civil society perceive these issues? And where are the blind spots – including in our own work?

Panel discussion to close the day

The first day wrapped up with a panel discussion featuring Julia Eisentraut (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), Dr. Andre Ullrich (Weizenbaum Institut), Rainer Rehak (Bits & Baeume), and Dr. Lea Beiermann (Center for Digital Sovereignty, ZenDiS). The panel spoke openly about the challenges NRW faces in its digital transformation and how to address them without losing sight of the interconnected pillars of sustainability.

There were candid moments: references to the state's strained finances, reluctance to embrace change, and the absence of a one-size-fits-all solution. But there was also direction and optimism – what individuals can do, where policy should focus, and where academia needs to push harder. The central takeaway was that change management and slow, steady progress are essential – not least with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind.

Tag 2: Developing solutions

While day one focused on understanding the current situation, day two was devoted to developing solutions. The morning began with a presentation on the fair and ethical design of digital infrastructure: What design trends are emerging? What resources will be required? What are the environmental, social, and economic implications?

Project development in three phases

The centerpiece of the second day was a structured creative process. Participants were divided into three groups: civil society, research, and education.

Phase 1 – Mapping needs and contributions:

Each group articulated what it could offer and what it needed. Civil society requires technical know-how but can provide networking structures. Educational institutions have access to studies and subject expertise, but lack a shared platform for connecting with target group representatives. Researchers bring expertise and sustainability strategies – but often face bureaucratic obstacles.

H3: Phase 2 – Generating project ideas:

Three-person teams – one from each group – brainstormed concrete project ideas based on the identified needs

Phase 3 – Developing the projects:

The same teams refined their ideas: How would the project work? What are its benefits and impacts? What makes it compelling? What hurdles might arise?

Project ideas that inspire

The closing presentations showcased a broad range of approaches. Some ideas addressed specific needs – such as collaboration between academia and food-sharing organisations to increase civic engagement. Others tackled usability, like "Sophie In-Ear": a concept for earbuds that provide real-time communication guidance to reduce misunderstandings. Particularly compelling was the Community-Driven Helpdesk concept – offering quick, reliable answers to sustainability questions, driven and curated by the community itself.

Our Takeaways

Bits & Baeume NRW 26 was more than a conference. It was a space where diverse perspectives came together – and where one thing became clear: sustainable digitalisation is not a niche topic, but a a common social challenge.

For andagon, attending meant three things: a deeper understanding of the needs of different user groups, fresh impulses for our own work in the area of Green IT, and concrete contacts with whom we can continue developing these questions together.

The event closed with a call to become part of this community and to engage with the projects presented. We take that call seriously.

Want to learn more about how andagon supports sustainable IT solutions? Get in touch – no obligation.