Thematic issue reveals challenges of digital exclusion and declining trust in institutions, highlighting the need for equitable access in welfare digitalisation.
This thematic issue discusses how AI and digital technologies often overlook vulnerable citizens and reinforce inequalities. Articles highlight challenges like digital exclusion, excessive reliance on individual agency, and declining institutional trust. Socially sustainable digitalisation must ensure equitable access, offer in‐person alternatives when needed, and uphold legitimacy. Often neglected ecological concerns must also be addressed through responsible data use and energy‐conscious ICT systems. Achieving sustainability requires coherent policies that embed sustainability principles into welfare technology. Interdisciplinary research, citizen involvement, and empowering citizens are essential for a truly sustainable welfare state.
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Saikkonen et al. (2025) studied this question.
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