Sustainability Approaches in IoT Ecosystems - A Literature Review

The transition of our economy towards more sustainability is accompanied with various challenges and a need for collaborative solutions. Digital technologies have the potential to address these challenges and to contribute to the achievement of global sustainability goals. Business models that drive the prevailing economic system are characterized by the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste. The Internet-of-things (IoT) enables business cooperations and networks to foster new principles of value creation. They are able to create an opportunity to incorporate sustainability measures and enhance environmental impact. In order to remain competitive, companies are faced with the need for sustainable and digital transformation at the same time. Aligning the two concepts could help address the urgency to act. This literature review portrays specific approaches for integrating sustainability into IoT ecosystems as a starting point to enhance the practicability of abstract concepts in this field.