Technology

Technology plays a central role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The transformative power of technology can accelerate progress towards all the SDGs by driving economic growth, reducing inequalities, enhancing access to basic services, and promoting sustainability.

Under SDG 9, technology, particularly in terms of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), is a key enabler of industrial innovation and infrastructure development. ICT has the potential to drive economic growth by enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and fostering entrepreneurship. Moreover, it can contribute to making industries more sustainable by facilitating the transition towards smart manufacturing and circular economy models.

Regarding SDG 4, technology can greatly enhance access to quality education. Digital technologies, including e-learning platforms, can break down barriers to education, such as geographical distance, socio-economic status, and physical disabilities. They can also enrich the learning process by enabling personalized, student-centered learning experiences.

In the context of SDG 3, technology has a profound impact on health outcomes. Medical technologies, from simple devices like thermometers to complex systems like MRI machines, have revolutionized healthcare delivery. Furthermore, digital health technologies, such as telemedicine and mobile health apps, can enhance access to health services, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.

For SDG 13, technology offers powerful tools for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Renewable energy technologies can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while climate information services can enhance resilience to climate impacts. Furthermore, digital technologies can facilitate the monitoring and reporting of climate actions, contributing to greater transparency and accountability.

However, the benefits of technology are not automatic, and there are significant challenges to overcome, including the digital divide, cybersecurity threats, and ethical issues related to privacy and data ownership. Thus, policy interventions and multi-stakeholder partnerships are needed to ensure that technology serves as a catalyst for sustainable development and does not exacerbate inequalities.

Elsevier,

Responsible Artificial Intelligence Re-engineering the Global Public Health Ecosystem: A Humanity Worth Saving, 2024, pp 215-243

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by considering the public health opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, as well as the need for more inclusive representation in key public health topics.

HPCC Systems Overview
Born from the deep data analysis experience of LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, HPCC Systems® is a proven, open source solution for Big Data insights that can be implemented by businesses of all sizes.  With HPCC Systems®, developers can design applications with Big Data at their core, enabling businesses to better analyze and understand data at scale. HPCC Systems® offers a consistent data-centric programming language, two processing platforms and a single, complete end-to-end architecture for efficient processing. Access to open source Big Data technology is vital for SDG 4 Quality education and SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure.
Elsevier,

Cell Reports Physical Science, Volume 5, 15 May 2024

This article explores innovations in Fenton technology to enhance wastewater treatment, including using co-catalysts and engineering catalyst microenvironments to overcome challenges like iron sludge and pH limitations.
RELX SDG Inspiration Day 2024: Leading edge discussion on AI for sustainable development: the risks and opportunities The tenth RELX SDG Inspiration Day - a free, online event for thought leaders, corporate representatives, students, investors, government and NGOs to explore issues, gain practical insights and be inspired to take action in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
World Intellectual Property Day title with lightbulb image and SDG icons

World Intellectual Property Day, observed each year on 26th April, is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions made by inventors and creators around the world and to explore how IP contributes to a flourishing of music and the arts and to the technological innovation that helps shape our world.

SDG wheel with Age of AI event details

AI holds tremendous potential for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  AI, particularly generative AI, provides new opportunities to analyse data and trends at pace and scale to further knowledge, allocation of resources and action.  Applications to address the global challenges presented by the SDGs such as poverty and hunger, human health, climate change, biodiversity and ocean degradation are potentially limitless.  Upskilling and access to AI technology will be critical, but how can we avoid an AI divide between the West and the rest?

This paper provides a detailed review of the physical mechanisms and resonance theories of WPT technology, performance enhancement methods, application scenarios, and future research directions, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for relevant practitioners and researchers to promote the various applications of WPT technology in modern technology fields.

Mapping Innovations Patents and the Sustainable Development Goals report front cover
This comprehensive report produced by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) presents an extensive analysis of patents mapped to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Elsevier,

Computational Intelligence and Blockchain in Complex Systems: System Security and Interdisciplinary Applications, 2024, pp 199-204

This content aligns with Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by exploring the educational opportunities of artificial intelligence and considering how to ensure the ethical, inclusive, and equitable use of these technologies for all populations.
Elsevier,

Sustainable Development of Renewable Energy: Latest Advances Production, Storage, and Integration, Advances Renewable Energy Technologies, 2024, Pages 401-412

This chapter aligns with SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by highlighting the roles of smart grids, renewable energy communities, information, and digitization, requiring technological, research, and political collaboration, in advancing the energy transition.

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