Sustainable Finance and Big Data Collection: On the Nexus Between Sustainability, Finance, and Digitalization

Abstract The document “Sustainable Finance and Big Data Collection—On the Nexus Between Sustainability, Finance and Digitalization” by Silke Stremlau explores the intersection of sustainability, finance, and digitalization in the context of global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. It discusses the European Commission’s response through the Green Deal and the EU action plan on financing sustainable growth. The document presents three key propositions: Effective investment decisions lie between managing a data tsunami and focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs). Artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly revolutionize data collection and analysis processes. Truly sustainable corporate management extends beyond data management, regulation, and compliance. The importance of high-quality, comparable ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data is emphasized, noting that AI can optimize data collection and analysis but also poses challenges such as high energy consumption and ethical concerns. Sustainable management requires a deeply rooted sustainability culture, stakeholder collaboration, innovation, transparency, and transformative leadership. Companies must go beyond mere compliance to adopt an integrative and culturally embedded approach to create long-term value and ensure a sustainable future.