**5. Conclusions**

In conclusion, the challenge brought about by the current energy crisis, ongoing geopolitical conflict, climate change, environmental impact, and limited natural resources solicits the production of new technological solutions and new and innovative tools compared to traditional ones. The twin transition (in ecological and digital sectors) goes parallel. It should be seen as a big challenge, i.e., as a considerable effort to tackle and solve a problem with a high societal impact, to assess the risks involved, to explore the different possibilities and technological options presented, and to try to make rapid progress towards the triple aim of energy security, decarbonization, and energy efficiency [203]. It is no longer possible to separate digital trends from sustainability ones. It is time to rethink the concept of sustainability and update it in light of the development of digitalization and the potential of this phenomenon. Digitalization is becoming essential to business [182]. Furthermore, there is no doubt that solving such a major challenge requires a joint effort, first by scientists, researchers, politicians, officials, and journalists, of an extensive public-private partnership, at the EU and national level and the general public's consensus [203].

Equally, greater personal responsibility is needed by citizens, businesses, and institutions to minimize and mitigate the negative effects of digital innovation on social relations, the size and quality of employment, and the environment, thus ensuring that it becomes the driving force of sustainable development.

Finally, a double effort by public institutions (universities and governments) is required: firstly, to deploy communication infrastructure, improve regulatory frameworks and enhance access to the Internet and digital services, some additional efforts are still necessary from all countries [204]; secondly, education and training systems must be better equipped to deliver digital skills and transversal skills, which are necessary for people to benefit from digital transformation and adapt to changing circumstances throughout their life [205, 206]. Only by taking all these factors into account, by equating risks and opportunities, the twin transition will be pursued efficiently. With these factors into account, by equating risks and opportunities, the twin transition will be pursued efficiently.

All this transition process must be taken leveraging the multi-dimension of the local drivers and the hindering factors. In that sense, efficiency, automation of processes, and better linkage between distant areas will quickly pull the transition process of territories. However, the presence of an elderly population, a low digitally *Digital Innovation and Sustainable Development: Two Sides of the Same Coin DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112294*

skilled workforce, and the huge cost of technologies lead to a digital pitchy development, where inner and isolated areas are the most disadvantaged. That is why institutions at different levels must plan and apply the digitalization process in line with the territory's profiles and guarantee continuous support to the less experienced and endowed, reaching multi-scaled governance [207].
