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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