SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation And Infrastructure

Investment in infrastructure – transport, irrigation, energy, information and communication technology – is critical for sustainable development and for strengthening communities in many countries. It has long been recognized that increasing productivity and incomes, as well as improving health and education outcomes, require investment in infrastructure.

Manufacturing is an important driver of economic development and employment. Currently, however, manufacturing value added per capita in the least developed countries is only US$ 100, compared to over US$ 4,500 in Europe and North America. Another important factor is the emissions of carbon dioxide during manufacturing. Emissions have declined in many countries over the past decade, but globally the rate of decline has varied.

Technological progress forms the basis for achieving environmental goals, such as improved resource and energy efficiency. Without technology and innovation there will be no industrialization, and without industrialization there will be no development. There needs to be more investment in high-tech products to increase efficiency, and one focus must be the expansion of mobile phone services that improve connections between people.

Did you know?
90% of people live within range of a 3G or higher mobile network (2018), but not all can afford to use it.