Digital Transformation and Its Impact on the Implementation Effectiveness of Green Economy Policies

Abstract:

Digital transformation—encompassing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics—has emerged as a potential catalyst for advancing green economy policies globally. This paper examines how digital tools enhance the implementation effectiveness of green policies in three countries at different stages of digital and economic development: South Korea (advanced digital economy), India (rapidly digitizing), and South Africa (digitally emerging). It focuses on three policy domains: energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable transportation. The analysis reveals that digital technologies improve monitoring accuracy, optimize resource allocation, and increase stakeholder engagement, but their impact is constrained by digital divides, data governance gaps, and limited technical capacity. Case studies of smart grids in South Korea, waste tracking systems in India, and ride-sharing platforms in South Africa highlight the need for context-specific digital strategies that address equity concerns while leveraging innovation. The findings contribute to understanding how digital transformation can be harnessed to accelerate green transitions, particularly in developing economies.