On 31st March, the EERA Joint Programmes clean Energy tranSition for Sustainable Society (e3s) and Energy Systems Integration (ESI) organized a workshop as part of the NTNU Energy Transition Week in Trondheim (Norway) dedicated to designing a sustainable framework for digitalization in future societies. This collaborative event brought together experts from a range of disciplines to discuss how digital technologies can support a socially accepted clean energy transition.

The morning session, led by Prof. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu, JP e3s Management Board member from Izmir University of Economics, examined not only the technical potential of digital tools for optimizing data management and enhancing knowledge sharing, but also emphasized the critical role of social acceptance, cultural adaptability, and behavioral change in determining their real-world impact.

Several key presentations enriched the session. In particular:

• Ezilda Costanzo, JP e3s member from ENEA, presented the results of a study conducted within the Joint Programme on "Culture and Digitalisation to Boost Citizens’ Engagement in the Clean Energy Transition," highlighting how cultural aspects can significantly influence public participation and digital engagement strategies.
• Andrea Kolmann, JP e3s member from EI-JKU, introduced the eCREW project, an initiative that involved several JP members about the implementation of an innovative scheme of household cooperation in energy management.

The morning unfolded through a series of insightful contributions, addressing both challenges and opportunities in the use of digital technologies for a sustainable energy future. Public engagement, policy incentives, and building trust emerged as essential factors for the success of digital innovations.

The workshop ultimately underlined that a sustainable digital transformation requires not just technological advancements but also a deep understanding of societal values and behaviors. By bringing technological and social perspectives together, the event reinforced the commitment of EERA Joint Programmes e3s and ESI to driving a clean, inclusive, and socially integrated energy transition.