SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Aging, degraded or non-existent infrastructure makes conducting good business challenging. Business relies on materials, resources, labor and service support from all corners of the world and the ability to access them efficiently is key to establishing new markets. Computing and technology-based skills are of significant value to most businesses today, and consumers of common goods and services live on every continent. However, basic infrastructure supporting technologies, communications, transportation, and sanitation that business relies on is not universally available, hindering economic growth and societal progress.

This presents an opportunity for business. By committing to sustainable industrialization and promoting innovation across company operations, businesses can contribute to development efforts in the regions in which they operate through upgrading local infrastructure, investing in resilient energy and communications technologies, and making these technologies available to all people, including marginalized groups, who might not have access otherwise. Global companies can also promote inclusive infrastructure development by bringing valuable financial services and employment opportunities to smaller and/or minority-owned businesses.

  • Infrastructure investments
  • Access to financial services
  • Environmental investments
  • Research and development
  • Technological legacies

The below examples are non-exhaustive and some may be more relevant to certain industries than to others.

  • Invest in new, resilient infrastructure in developing countries or retrofit existing infrastructure to make it more sustainable.
  • Expand the geographic reach of research and development facilities, bringing R&D capabilities to developing countries.
  • Promote innovation by giving all stakeholders the opportunity to offer creative solutions to sustainability challenges. Further scope out the good ideas and offer awards to the best.
  • Consult and engage a wide range of stakeholders, including minority groups, to ensure that infrastructure development benefits and creates opportunities for all.
  • Establish standards and promote regulation that ensure company projects and initiatives are sustainably managed.
  • Collaborate with NGOs and the public sector to help promote sustainable growth within developing countries.
  • Access to Medicine Index, F.III.2: Is there evidence that the company participants in local partnerships with public sector research institutes or universities in the Index countries with the aim of increasing local capacity for health research (including clinical trials capacity and product development)
  • GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, G4-EC7: Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services supported
  • GRI G4 Financial Services Sector Disclosures, FS7: Monetary value of products and services designed to deliver a specific social benefit for each business line broken down by purpose
  • GRI G4 Electric Utilities Sector Disclosures, former EU8: Research and development activity and expenditure aimed at providing reliable electricity and promoting sustainable development

The complete overview of business indicators can be found at Business Indicators

  • Impact Reporting & Investment Standards (IRIS)

The complete overview of business tools can be found at Business Tools

9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and by 2030 raise significantly industry’s share of employment and GDP in line with national circumstances, and double its share in LDCs

9.3 Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly in developing countries, to financial services including affordable credit and their integration into value chains and markets

9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, particularly developing countries, including by 2030 encouraging innovation and increasing the number of R&D workers per one million people by x% and public and private R&D spending

9.a Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS

9.b Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for inter alia industrial diversification and value addition to commodities

9.c Significantly increase access to ICT and strive to provide universal and affordable access to internet in LDCs by 2020

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