Goal 9: Industry, innovation, infrastructure


Photo: UNDP Afghanistan / Rob Few / 2015

Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Sustained investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. With over half the world population now living in cities, mass transport and renewable energy are becoming ever more important, as are the growth of new industries and information and communication technologies.

Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy efficiency. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate sustainable development.

More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, and 90 percent are from the developing world. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to information and knowledge, and as a consequence foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Investment in infrastructure and innovation is one of 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. An integrated approach is crucial for progress across the multiple goals.

Learn more about the targets for Goal 9.

Our work

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UNDP in Haiti

In Haiti bricklayers build to
save lives

Joseph Matéus lives for his passion: building homes. When he heard about a UNDP-supported project offering training in earthquake-resistant construction, he was keen to enrol.more 

Traffic in Dhaka
UNDP in Bangladesh

How can mega-cities innovate to reduce traffic congestion?

Dhaka’s now infamous traffic jams have been equated to a loss of US $3.86 billion in productivity each year. That’s 3.3 percent of the 2012 GDP.more 

A woman recieves a milking machine in Kosovo
UNDP in Kosovo

Dairy production just got easier
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The Aid for Trade project provides labour-saving milking machines to women farmers and creates milk collection points and processing facilities.more 

A man installing solar panels in Gaza
UNDP in Gaza

Infrastructure for Development: Show me the money!

Infrastructure makes life better, economies more competitive, and while being built, offers jobs to the value chain. But it also massively consumes cement and increases emissions.more