How can innovation help address the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

1 What is innovation?

Innovation is the process of creating new or improved products, services, processes, or business models that meet the needs and expectations of customers, stakeholders, or society at large. Innovation can be incremental, radical, or disruptive, depending on the degree of novelty and impact it generates. Innovation can also be driven by different sources, such as technology, market, social, or environmental factors.

2 Why is innovation important for the SDGs?

Innovation is essential for the SDGs because it can help solve complex problems, create new opportunities, and accelerate positive change. Innovation can help address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, as well as provide solutions for health, education, energy, water, sanitation, and other basic needs. Innovation can also help create new markets, industries, and jobs, as well as enhance the competitiveness and resilience of existing ones. Innovation can also help foster social inclusion, participation, and empowerment, as well as promote a culture of learning, collaboration, and adaptation.

3 How can innovation be aligned with the SDGs?

Innovation can be aligned with the SDGs by adopting a holistic, systemic, and human-centered approach that considers the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the innovation process and outcomes. This means that innovation should not only focus on creating value for customers and shareholders, but also for society and the planet. This also means that innovation should not only respond to existing needs and demands, but also anticipate and shape future ones. This also means that innovation should not only involve technical and business aspects, but also ethical and cultural ones.

4 What are some examples of innovation for the SDGs?

Innovation for the SDGs can be seen in a variety of sectors, regions, and scales. For instance, a low-cost solar-powered device can harvest water from air, providing clean drinking water to remote communities (SDG 6). Moreover, a mobile app can connect farmers with buyers and transporters, reducing food waste and increasing income (SDG 2). Additionally, biodegradable plastic made from seaweed can replace conventional plastic and reduce marine pollution (SDG 14). Furthermore, a blockchain-based platform can enable refugees to access financial services and identity verification, enhancing their dignity and security (SDG 16). Lastly, a wearable device can monitor vital signs and alert health workers in case of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, saving lives and improving maternal health (SDG 3).

5 How can you get involved in innovation for the SDGs?

You can get involved in innovation for the SDGs by learning more about the challenges and opportunities related to the SDGs, and identifying how your skills, interests, and resources can contribute to them. You can also join or create networks, platforms, or communities that support innovation for the SDGs, and share your ideas, insights, and feedback with others. You can also participate in or organize events, competitions, or challenges that stimulate and showcase innovation for the SDGs, and celebrate and recognize the achievements and impacts of innovators. You can also advocate for and support policies, regulations, and incentives that enable and encourage innovation for the SDGs, and hold accountable those who hinder or harm it.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?