#SDG9 INDUSTRIES, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

A functioning and resilient infrastructure is the foundation of every successful community. To meet future challenges, our industries and infrastructure must be upgraded. For this, we need to promote innovative sustainable technologies and ensure equal and universal access to information and financial markets. This will bring prosperity, create jobs and make sure that we build stable and prosperous societies across the globe.

Targets

Everyone can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals. Use these targets to create action to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

9.1 DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE, RESILIENT AND INCLUSIVE INFRASTRUCTURES

Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

9.2 PROMOTE INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIALIZATION

Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.

9.3 INCREASE ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS

Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets.

9.4 UPGRADE ALL INDUSTRIES AND INFRASTRUCTURES FOR SUSTAINABILITY

By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

9.5 ENHANCE RESEARCH AND UPGRADE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES

Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.

9.6 FACILITATE SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States.

9.7 SUPPORT DOMESTIC TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION

Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities.

9.8 UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.

Thoughts

Investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. With over half the world population now living in cities, mass transport and renewable energy are becoming ever more important, as are the growth of new industries and information and communication technologies. Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy efficiency. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate sustainable development. More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, and 90 percent are from the developing world. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to information and knowledge, as well as foster innovation and entrepreneurship. 2.6 billion people in developing countries do not have access to constant electricity and more than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet. The industrial use of IoT can result in a 63.5 gigaton (15%) decrease in greenhouse gases across all sectors by 2030 through greater efficiencies. Remote monitoring and inspection of industrial equipment and critical infrastructure using connected sensors, drones and cameras will reduce expenses, energy consumption and increase worker safety.