Leadership for Sustainable Digital Transformation in Europe

Project Information

DIGI PLUS

Grant agreement ID: 101081609

DOI

10.3030/101081609

EC signature date 29 September 2022

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2028

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 1 910 400,00

Coordinated by

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND MAYNOOTH
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DIGI PLUS (Leadership for Sustainable Digital Transformation in Europe)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The DIGI+ programme operates at the intersection of the digital and green transitions, addressing the need for interdisciplinary research and skills to support Europe’s shift towards a sustainable, inclusive, and data-driven society. In line with EU priorities such as the European Green Deal and the Digital Strategy, the project responds to challenges related to ethical digitalisation, climate resilience, and socio-economic transformation.
DIGI+ trains a new generation of researchers capable of bridging technological innovation with societal needs, combining expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital governance, sustainability, health technologies, and socio-economic modelling. The programme includes several research projects addressing ethical, governance, behavioural, and societal dimensions of digital transformation, thereby incorporating social sciences and humanities perspectives alongside technological development.
The pathway to impact combines research excellence through interdisciplinary approaches, capacity building via structured training and supervision, and knowledge transfer through intersectoral collaboration.
Through this approach, DIGI+ is expected to contribute to evidence-based policymaking, responsible innovation, and the development of sustainable digital solutions, with impacts at scientific, societal, and economic levels.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the reporting period, DIGI+ established the foundations for implementation, focusing on recruitment, training, supervision, and the initiation of research activities. Two international calls were successfully executed, attracting a diverse pool of applicants and enabling the recruitment of fellows across multiple disciplines.
Key achievements include:
• Implementation of a structured training programme combining technical and transferable skills;
• Establishment of supervision frameworks supported by Personal Career Development Plans (PCDPs);
• Initiation of interdisciplinary research projects across AI, sustainability, governance, and socio-economic analysis;
• Development of intersectoral collaboration pathways, including preparation for secondments.
Scientifically, fellows have developed methodological foundations, datasets, and analytical frameworks, including multimodal data pipelines, AI-based models, econometric approaches, and digital system architectures. Early results include conceptual advances, pilot implementations, and strong academic engagement.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

DIGI+ contributes beyond the state of the art by combining advanced digital technologies with interdisciplinary and application-oriented approaches. Key advancements include:
• Development of AI and data-driven methodologies applied to healthcare, law, and human interaction;
• New approaches to environmental monitoring and sustainable resource management;
• Econometric and data-driven models supporting labour market and policy analysis;
• Innovations in digital governance and infrastructure, integrating ethical and regulatory considerations.
These results extend existing research by linking technical innovation with real-world applications and policy relevance. To ensure uptake and maximise impact, the project highlights the need for further validation and scaling of methodologies; strengthened intersectoral collaboration; support for open science and data sharing; and alignment with policy frameworks and market needs.