This background paper for the research project "Digitalisation – Setting the Course for a Social-Ecological Digital Transformation in Berlin" within the project "Knowledge. Change. Berlin" provides an overview of the sustainability and digitalisation goals of the state of Berlin. First, the paper outlines sustainability goals relevant for the project in the following topic areas: data governance, climate protection, transport and mobility, energy and health.

The paper then examines Berlin's digitalisation goals. At the end of 2018, the state of Berlin decided to develop a digitalisation strategy. This process, which is ongoing, is designed to develop a framework strategy providing overarching goals and guidelines for a digital transformation in the city. A first milestone in this development was reached with the publication of a so-called Green Book for Berlin’s digitalisation strategy on 6 October 2020. The Green Book presents existing strategies and identifies needs for additional action in digital transformation. This background paper addresses the digital challenges, strengths and needs for action identified in the Green Book in the topic areas already mentioned.

Against this backdrop, the authors highlight possible conflicts as well as potential synergies between the digitalisation strategy and the sustainability goals of the state of Berlin for each topic area. The paper provides an initial orientation regarding Berlin’s development and implementation of its sustainability and digitalisation goals, identifying initial links and possible contradictions between the two topics.