Ericsson Awarded with 2023 Bloomberg Green ESG 50 – Social

The 2023 Bloomberg Green ESG 50 is designed to honor companies that made outstanding ESG contributions in 2023. The nearly six-month selection process evaluated the social (responsibility) practices of the candidates in 2023, with focus on "Product and Service", "Labor Welfare and Safety", and "Community and Charity”.

Ericsson Digital Lab, originally launched in 2014, is a collaboration between Ericsson and Universeum, a public science center in Gothenburg, Sweden. The program is an innovative public service education program designed and developed by Ericsson in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to help more children cross the digital divide and inspire their interest in future technological research.

As an integral part of Ericsson's digital inclusion initiatives, Ericsson Digital Lab demonstrates the power of technology with commitment to its original values that is also testament of Ericsson's dedication to corporate responsibility in the new era. Since its introduction to China in 2021, Ericsson Digital Lab has been implemented in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Dalian and other cities in just over two years. The number of volunteers, all of whom are Ericsson employees in China, has grown from 30 at the beginning to 392. In the first half of 2023, the program extended its reach to 17 schools, providing 348 hours of lessons to benefit 583 students.

For schools and students in different regions of China, the team behind the Ericsson Digital Lab program customized three independent basic courses: LEGO Robotics, Game Programming and Electronics Technology. Taking into account existing knowledge disparities among students across various schools, these courses have been localized and fine-tuned to cater to the specific needs of local students. For those who lack fundamentals of digital products, volunteers expanded upon the instructions on relevant basic knowledge and applications to meet different student needs and aptitudes, ensuring consistent learning outcomes for all participating students.

Additionally, Ericsson China assembled a project management and service team to build up Ericsson Digital Lab performance. This team consists of experienced employees with a strong background in volunteer activities or project management as well as other enthusiastic and caring employees with a diverse skillset. With this solid foundation, a dedicated program team has been created to provide customized courses to students. These team members have played a significant role in the program’s progress and growth.

Sharron Wu, Vice President and Head of Marketing & Communication for Ericsson Market Area North East Asia (MNEA), says, “Ericsson Digital Lab carves out a novel trajectory for the children of migrant workers from outside the city, inspiring their curiosity, comprehension, and practical abilities in digital technology. Looking into the future, these children may demonstrate extraordinary wisdom and dedication in the realm of science and technology that could lead to remarkable accomplishments.”