Three highlights from Sofigate’s 2024 Sustainability Report

Sustainability has always been part of Sofigate’s backbone, say members of the ESG Taskforce. The sustainability programme has made the valuable work more visible and structured culminating in Sofigate’s first Sustainability Report. Which three highlights did the team select?

Chief Governance Officer Tuula Koponen, Senior Advisor Katariina Kekkonen and People Operations Lead Maria Koivusipilä have driven Sofigate’s sustainability work in recent years. This year, they also compiled Sofigate’s first Sustainability Report.

“Sustainability and good work deserve to be visible both internally and externally. At the same time, Sofigate recognises there’s even more that can be done, and regulatory requirements are on the horizon. Our Sustainability Report looks at what already exists and sets direction for more systematic work,” says Kekkonen.

1) Business Technology Standard: Enabling smarter digital development at scale

Technology delivers value only when it’s effectively put to use. That’s why Sofigate has long supported the development of the Business Technology Standard (BTS), a free, open-source management model designed to help organisations align digital development with business goals.

Created and maintained by the Business Technology Forum, a not-for-profit company within the Sofigate Group, BTS is now used by thousands of organisations worldwide. “BTS is the backbone of our business,” says Koponen, “but more importantly, it extends our impact far beyond Sofigate.”

In the past year, the BTS community has been more active than ever. A new AI operating model was added to the standard, helping organisations safely explore and implement artificial intelligence.

A key driver of this adoption has been the AI-powered BTS Living Labs – practical, free workshops designed to improve how organisations work with digital development, especially in applying AI. Over 30 labs were held in 2024, giving teams hands-on experience in applying BTS principles to real-world AI use cases. Furthermore, Sofigate launched this year a global BTS eLearning programme, making the framework even more accessible to professionals worldwide.

2) A workplace of diversity and opportunity

ESG Taskforce also highlights Sofigate’s own employees, profiled in detail for the first time in the report. In 2024, Sofigate employed over 800 professionals. 42% of Sofigate’s employees are women and 58% men. Women make up almost half of the Executive Team.

“We stand out positively on diversity. Our teams mix people early in their careers with seasoned experts. That blend of skills matters, and we intend to keep it that way,” says Koivusipilä, who leads HR data and systems.

Learning opportunities are broad and continuously developed. In 2024 employees spent just over six days per person on training.

“BTS training is part of every new Sofigator’s onboarding. On top of that, we build role-based learning paths that support career growth and customer needs,” Koivusipilä adds.

3) Towards more responsible AI and skills for all staff

Sofigate is currently investing €3 million in AI capabilities and has announced plans to equip every employee with an AI agent by year-end. Taskforce members emphasise that responsibility and ethical principles also guide AI-related work and the use of AI in customer projects.

“AI is transforming business more than any technology in decades. The debate on responsible AI is intense and we want to be part of it. Our aim is for AI and sustainability to go hand in hand and build a better future,” says Kekkonen.

To back this up, Sofigate has introduced a three-level AI learning programme so skills grow across the organisation, from foundation users to advanced practitioners.

“AI’s impact on work and our industry is still taking shape. That’s why in the Taskforce we keep a close eye on where the world is heading, especially in skills and responsibility,” says Koponen.

Sustainability work: a way to make a difference

ESG Taskforce will continue to coordinate Sofigate’s sustainability work. Sustainability Report will be published annually.

“Sofigate’s impact on society is greater than our size, not least through BTS. We’re an international company with a significant tax footprint and job opportunities across six countries. Working on sustainability is rewarding because it genuinely makes a difference,” Koponen sums up.