Build-resilient-infrastructure-promote-inclusive-and-sustainable-industrialisation-and-foster-innovation
June 8, 2021
Economic growth, social development and climate action are heavily dependent on investments in infrastructure, sustainable industrial development, and technological progress. These are the foundation of efforts to achieve environmental objectives, such as increased resource and energy-efficiency. Without technology and innovation, inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and development will not happen.
Today, more people than ever are using electricity and the proportion of the world's population with access to this service has increased from 83% in 2010 to 89% in 2017 . However, 840 million people were without this essential service in 2017, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Even if almost everyone lives within reach of cell phone networks, not everyone can afford to use them. Basic infrastructure like roads, information and communication technologies, sanitation, electrical power and water remains scarce in many developing countries.
Industrialisation’s jobs have a multiplication effect with positive impact on society since every job in manufacturing creates 2.2 jobs in other sectors .
Therefore, quality infrastructure everywhere is positively related to the achievement of social, economic and political objectives, while inadequate infrastructure leads to a lack of access to markets, jobs, information and education.
SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation worldwide. It also aims at enhancing scientific research, and promote financial, technological and technical support to African and least developed countries so that progress is a reality for everyone.
Small and medium-sized enterprises that engage in industrial processing and manufacturing are the most critical for the early stages of industrialisation and are typically the largest job creators. They make up over 90 per cent of business worldwide and account for between 50-60 per cent of employment.
Regarding least developed countries have immense potential for industrialisation in food and beverages (agro-industry), and textiles and garments, with good prospects for sustained employment generation and higher productivity. Also, in developing countries, barely 30 per cent of agricultural production undergoes industrial processing. In high-income countries, 98 per cent is processed. This suggests that there are great opportunities for developing countries in agribusiness.
At the governmental level, rules can be established, and regulations promoted that promote regulations to ensure that company projects and initiatives are managed in a sustainable manner. On a personal level, considering the impact of industry on your life and well-being, you can also lobby through social media to put pressure on policy makers to prioritise the SDGs .
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