What Can Science, Technology, and Innovation Offer in the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals?

Abstract

This chapter discusses the many ways that science, technology, and innovation (STI) can bolster the global agenda of the United Nations (UN) toward meeting the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It shows how STI applications can make multiple contributions to the achievement of SDGs. It is particularly important for developing countries to harness STI, while managing resulting trade-offs, to deliver sustainable development effectively. The SDGs simultaneously touch upon environmental, social and economic aspects of development but integrating these aspects into the implementation of the SDGs is challenging for both policymakers and researchers. To meet its SDG targets, the global community must mobilize STI across multiple sectors, support new investments in innovation, and contribute to policy design that addresses a range of barriers.