Belén Viloria, executive director of the B Corp movement and B Lab Spain
Technology has the potential to transform, not only how we live, but also how we care for the planet and the people who inhabit it.
Technology is undoubtedly one of the most transformative forces in the world and in today’s society. Not only has it revolutionized the global economy, but it has also deeply penetrated every aspect of our daily lives. From the way we communicate to how we work or consume, technology has become an inseparable companion in our existence. However, as digitalization and the tech sector continue to expand and establish themselves as one of the main drivers of the economy, an inevitable question arises: Is the tech industry playing a sufficiently committed role in sustainability at all levels? Unfortunately, the answer is (still) no.
The position of the tech sector and digitalization is unique not only because of its ability to shape trends and set the pace for the modernization of other industries, but also due to its power to scale solutions, reaching every corner of the planet and millions of people. However, the not-so-positive impact it sometimes has on people and the planet has often been overlooked. The challenge now is not only to create more advanced and revolutionary technology, but also to develop a business approach that prioritizes social, environmental and economic well-being. In this regard, an encouraging development that will undoubtedly contribute to this paradigm shift is the recent alliance we are launching between Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital) and B Lab Spain, the driving force behind the international B Corp movement in Spain.
With a community of more than 9,000 companies worldwide and nearly 300 in Spain, this movement is leading the transformation towards a more inclusive, equitable and regenerative economic and business model. Now, B Lab Spain and MWCapital are joining forces to integrate this approach into the heart of business digitalization and the tech sector, with a clear vision: to drive a business transformation in which tech companies not only generate economic profits, but also actively contribute to solving humanity’s greatest challenges and the eco-social crisis we face. To this end, we have designed a joint action plan within the framework of MWCapital’s sustainability strategy with the aim of boosting the high standards of impact promoted by B Lab and the B Corp movement within the digital sector.
But why is it crucial for digitalization and the tech sector to embark on this path? Its influence and scale grant it great responsibility. Digitalization, big data, artificial intelligence and other technological innovations are redefining the boundaries of what is possible, but this progress must be accompanied by a strong commitment to sustainability. We cannot allow technology to advance at the expense of the well-being of the planet and its people. The future demands a tech industry that acts with a humanistic vision, focused on the needs of society and the environment, and on creating the best solutions for everyone.
Currently, the tech sector has significant room for improvement in terms of sustainability. According to a recent study, only 40% of tech companies in Spain measure the impact they generate. This figure shows that much work remains to be done. Initiatives like the one from MWCapital and B Lab Spain, which aim to promote more transparent, inclusive, and responsible governance models, are essential for changing this trend. The goal is clear: to ensure that technology and digitalization are part of the solution, not the problem. However, the importance of this transformation is not only environmental or social, but also economic. In a context where the digital economy represents 12.3% of Spain’s GDP, we cannot underestimate the power this sector has to make a difference. Sustainable technological growth can and should ensure a positive impact on both the economy and the long-term well-being of society.
In short, technology has the potential to transform, not only how we live, but also how we care for the planet and the people who inhabit it. The collaboration between B Lab Spain and MWCapital strengthens the momentum for the expansion of the B Corp movement into new sectors and economic areas, like the digital sector, which urgently requires sustainable transformation. This sector, more than any other, has the resources and capacity to lead this change, also in other industries, and to promote a business approach that balances economic growth with respect for the environment and social justice. Only in this way can we ensure that technology not only drives progress but also the well-being and future of all people and the planet.
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