Internet of Things (IoT) Alliance Australia and the Industrial Internet Consortium have published a white paper entitled, 'How Digital Transformation and IoT Can Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)'. The paper argues that the UN's SDGs should be factored into IoT projects and other digital transformation initiatives (business-related changes that are triggered by digital technologies).

The paper outlines five pillars necessary for the successful digital transformation of an organisation: architecture and standards; security and privacy; shared value creation; organisational development; and ecosystem governance. These pillars are therefore essential for achieving the UN's SDGs. The paper also provides examples of how the SDGs were unintentionally achieved by organisations that utilised digital technologies. For example, using health data in mining operations can help preserve the well-being of miners (SDG 3 -Good health and well-being); using sensor data and AI to minimise fuel consumption (SDG 13 -Climate action); and using smart farming to solve decreasing workforce (SDA 9 -Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).