## 2 Literature Review and Hypothesis Development  
### The Relationship Between Digitalization and the SDGs  
The SDGs formulated by the United Nations (UN) address essential issues such as poverty eradication, education, clean water and sanitation, inequality, and sustainable economic growth [10]. Each SDG is interconnected, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainable development, where the success of one SDG contributes to the achievement of others. Achieving these ambitious goals requires cooperation at all levels of society, from governments and international organizations to the private sector and civil society [11]. An essential aspect of the SDGs is the monitoring and evaluation of progress, conducted through periodic national and international reviews. This monitoring allows for the identification of areas where additional interventions are needed and for the adjustment of strategies to ensure target achievement [12]. Digitalization can facilitate the achievement of the SDGs through several essential mechanisms [13]. First, digitalization promotes connectivity and communication among people, facilitating cooperation and information exchange globally. Another fundamental aspect is the ability to monitor global activities and ecosystems. Digital technologies allow for real-time environmental monitoring, collecting valuable data on ecosystem health and the impacts of human activities. This information is essential for implementing effective conservation strategies and natural resource management [14]. The analysis of information and the organization of processes and resources represent significant benefits of digitalization. Advanced data analysis technologies enable the identification of patterns and trends, optimizing production and distribution processes [15]. Digitalization also enhances human capacities, providing access to information and educational resources that enable skill and knowledge development. Through online learning platforms and educational applications, people can access courses and training to improve their professional and personal skills, contributing to human capital development and reducing educational disparities. Digital technologies can support innovation and creativity, offering tools and platforms for developing new solutions and products [16; 17]. Digital technologies enable organizations to better understand issues and provide more efficient and personalized solutions [18]. Thus, they facilitate public engagement in decision-making processes and promote transparency and accountability in governance [19]. The use of these technologies in innovation activities fosters collaboration among various stakeholders and supports the development of solutions that are better-adapted to community needs [20]. This fact leads to more inclusive innovation, integrating diverse perspectives and experiences from different societal groups. Therefore, these digital technologies optimize organizational processes and contribute towards building a more democratic and efficient society where innovation is accessible and beneficial to all its members [6]. Studies in this area have demonstrated that the adoption of digital technologies optimizes internal organizational processes and facilitates cross-border collaboration and the exchange of best practices [7]. The effects of digital technologies on the 17 SDGs vary depending on the specific targets pursued within each goal. Goal 1: No Poverty (SDG 1). Digital technologies play a significant role in monitoring and evaluating the impact of poverty reduction programs, ensuring more efficient resource allocation and improved intervention strategies. AI-based BD identifies and replicates the most effective practices on a larger scale, amplifying the positive impact on vulnerable populations [21]. BD, IoT, and AI also support the development of more robust and responsive social protection systems that quickly address the needs of society's most vulnerable members.