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Global UN 2030 agenda: How can Science, Technology and Innovation accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals for All?

Author

Listed:
  • Ademola A Adenle
  • Hans De Steur
  • Caroline Mwongera
  • Fay Rola-Rubzen
  • Marcia Dutra de Barcellos
  • David F Vivanco
  • Govinda R Timilsina
  • Cristina Possas
  • Robyn Alders
  • Marian Chertow
  • Simon Poons
  • Bob Scholes

Abstract

The adoption of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) with 167 targets by the United Nations member states in 2015 emphasizes the critical role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in addressing sustainability challenges, including poverty, hunger, health, employment, climate change and energy. However, STI plays a limited role in the context of the global agenda of 2030 and for achieving SDGs in low- and middle-income countries. The perspectives of relevant stakeholder groups (i.e., policymakers, academia, donors, private sector, and non-governmental organizations) were assessed through an international survey on the role of STI in tackling SDG challenges in three main themes: agriculture, health, energy, and environment. Our findings reveal that human resource capacity on STI is still fragile in many developing countries, including some middle-income economies, suggesting that to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 7, and 13, it is necessary to strengthen the educational system, increase investment in research and development programs, implement staff retention policies, foster collaboration, and provide adequate infrastructure and expertise for the required skills and competencies to promote cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI).Author summary: STI will play a critical role in achieving the sustainable development agenda such as the SDGs. Achieving the SDGs requires a strong national innovation system that encourages the implementation of an STI framework at the heart of government policy, and this entails building a comprehensive and robust STI system based on understanding the interaction between actors and the dynamics of STI governance. However, numerous countries worldwide are struggling to devise new STI policies that can effectively tackle the unique challenges posed by SDGs. Based on the perspectives of various stakeholders, we highlight the issues surrounding STI’s role in tackling some SDG challenges. We present a framework for STI cooperation for the SDGs focusing on four dimensions: national planning, resource and capacity building, engagement and partnerships, and access to innovation to deal with the challenges and issues in incorporating STIs into achieving the SDGs.

Suggested Citation

  • Ademola A Adenle & Hans De Steur & Caroline Mwongera & Fay Rola-Rubzen & Marcia Dutra de Barcellos & David F Vivanco & Govinda R Timilsina & Cristina Possas & Robyn Alders & Marian Chertow & Simon Poo, 2023. "Global UN 2030 agenda: How can Science, Technology and Innovation accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals for All?," PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, Public Library of Science, vol. 2(10), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pstr00:0000085
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pstr.0000085
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