MSD 019: Unit 10 - SDG9–Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
UNIT 10: SDG 9 – INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
10.0
Introduction
Sustainable
industrial development, innovation, and robust infrastructure are foundational
to economic progress and social well-being. Recognizing this, Sustainable
Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) focuses on building resilient
infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization,
and fostering
innovation.
SDG 9
emphasizes the need to support small industries, invest in science and
technology, increase access to financial services, and reduce the environmental
impact of infrastructure development. In today’s rapidly advancing world, where
technology is reshaping industries and global supply chains, SDG 9 plays a
crucial role in shaping sustainable growth.
10.1
Objectives
By the end of
this unit, learners will be able to:
·
Understand the scope and key targets of SDG 9.
·
Assess the importance of infrastructure, innovation, and
industrial development for sustainable growth.
·
Analyze the ecological and social impacts of SDG 9.
·
Evaluate India’s progress and policy interventions related to SDG
9.
·
Discuss the shift towards sustainable and inclusive
industrialization.
10.2
Targets of SDG 9
SDG 9
comprises eight
specific targets and twelve indicators. The key targets include:
1. Develop
quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support
economic development and human well-being.
2. Promote
inclusive and sustainable industrialization, raising
industry’s share of employment and GDP.
3. Increase
access to financial services, particularly for small-scale enterprises.
4. Upgrade
infrastructure and industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency
and clean technologies.
5. Enhance scientific
research and technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
6. Facilitate
sustainable and resilient regional and transborder infrastructure.
7. Support domestic
technology development, research, and innovation in developing
countries.
8. Increase the participation
of small industries in global value chains.
10.3
Importance of SDG 9
Industrialization
and innovation are critical to achieving the broader Sustainable Development
Goals. SDG 9 has far-reaching implications for:
·
Economic growth: Industries drive GDP growth, create jobs, and boost exports.
·
Technology advancement: Innovation enhances productivity
and efficiency across sectors.
·
Employment generation: Manufacturing and service
industries are major job providers.
·
Infrastructure development: Roads, transport, digital
networks, and energy systems are key enablers of development.
·
Reduction in inequality: Access to technology and
financial services empowers marginalized groups and smaller enterprises.
In
essence, SDG 9 links industrial progress with environmental responsibility and
social inclusivity.
10.4
Potential Impacts of SDG 9: Ecosystem
Industrial
and infrastructure development can have both positive and negative
ecological impacts:
Positive
Impacts:
·
Use of clean technologies can reduce emissions and
pollution.
·
Smart infrastructure (e.g., green buildings, eco-friendly
transport) supports climate resilience.
·
Waste management innovations reduce land and water degradation.
Negative
Impacts:
·
Poorly planned industrial zones can cause deforestation,
water contamination, and air pollution.
·
Infrastructure development (roads, dams) may fragment ecosystems
and disturb wildlife.
·
Resource extraction for industry often results in biodiversity
loss and ecosystem imbalance.
Thus, SDG 9
emphasizes sustainable
practices and eco-sensitive infrastructure.
10.5
Impacts of SDG 9: Forest-Based Livelihoods
Forest-dependent
communities are often impacted by industrial and infrastructure projects:
·
Displacement of tribal populations due to road, dam, or mining projects.
·
Loss of forest-based income sources, such as
non-timber forest produce.
·
Increased pollution in forest regions affects health and
biodiversity.
However,
sustainable industrialization offers new opportunities:
·
Forest-based micro-enterprises (e.g., bamboo, honey, herbal
products).
·
Eco-tourism and agro-forestry models that provide alternate
income.
·
Improved transport and energy access that enable market
linkages.
To balance
growth and forest livelihoods, community participation, compensation
policies, and eco-industrial planning are essential.
10.6
Current Scenario of SDG Plans in Infrastructure
Global
Scenario:
·
Massive investments are being made in smart cities,
green
infrastructure, renewable energy grids, and digital
highways.
·
Developed countries are integrating AI and IoT
in industrial automation and infrastructure planning.
·
Developing countries face challenges in funding,
planning, and technical expertise.
India’s
Scenario:
·
Launch of the Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multimodal Connectivity.
·
PM Gati Shakti Yojana aims to integrate various
departments and ensure faster infrastructure delivery.
·
Emphasis on rural roads, sanitation infrastructure, housing, and digital
connectivity through schemes like:
o Bharatmala (highways)
o Sagarmala (port
development)
o Digital India
o Smart Cities
Mission
·
Infrastructure projects are increasingly guided by Environmental
Impact Assessments (EIA).
10.7
India and SDG 9
Progress
Made:
·
India is now the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
·
Significant improvement in mobile and internet penetration, enabling
innovation.
·
Make in India and Startup India initiatives promote domestic
manufacturing.
·
Expanding metro networks, expressways, and rural electrification.
Challenges:
·
Industrial pollution remains a concern.
·
Need for greater private investment in infrastructure.
·
Skill gap in technology and innovation sectors.
·
Inadequate R&D funding (less than 1% of GDP).
10.8
Evacuation of Sustainable Industrialization
Sustainable
industrialization involves:
·
Shifting from fossil-fuel-based to clean energy industries.
·
Promoting green manufacturing (low carbon, low waste).
·
Circular economy models that reuse and recycle materials.
·
Supporting MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in
adopting clean technologies.
·
Ensuring social equity, fair wages, and safe workplaces.
India is
working towards this through:
·
ZED Certification (Zero Defect Zero Effect) for green MSMEs.
·
Support for solar and wind energy-based manufacturing.
·
Skill development missions to prepare a green workforce.
10.9
Let’s Sum Up
·
SDG 9 emphasizes industrial growth, innovation, and infrastructure to
drive sustainable and inclusive development.
·
It targets improvements in access to technology, finance, and
resilient infrastructure, while promoting ecological balance.
·
Industrial and infrastructure growth can negatively impact the
environment and forest-based livelihoods unless managed sustainably.
·
India is making significant strides in infrastructure development
and innovation, but must address challenges like pollution, funding, and skill
gaps.
·
Achieving SDG 9 requires a shift toward green
industries, tech-driven planning, and inclusive
growth models.
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