Significance of Strengthening STI Ecosystems for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

The sustainable development goal (SDG), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, is a universal call that provides a blueprint for a sustainable, prosperous and peaceful global future and is intended to be achieved by 2030. It is a collection of 17 interlinked global goals and actions in one area that will affect outcomes in others, and the development must balance social, economic and environmental needs for a sustainable future. Science, technology and innovation (STI) includes three distinct related domains and together with capacity-building is among the key factors to achieve the SDGs particularly in targets that concern human well-being, such as food security, health, clean water and sanitation, education and literacy, climate change, clean energy, decent work and responsible production, among others. There is a close relationship between the three domains (STI)—science allows the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the natural, physical and social world. Scientists or researchers are key actors for science, organized in public and private universities, research institutions and centres, professional societies or other research institutions. Technology involves the application of knowledge to convert it into a tangible product, and innovation involves a new way of producing, delivering or using goods and services. To diversify economies into new areas to raise productivity, create jobs and address environmental challenges, it is critical to adopt and use technologies and to innovate. Attainment of all the social, economic and environmental objectives of the SDGs will require the effective application of technologies and the development of strong national innovation capacity. Challenges associated with SDGs can be overcome by strengthening the STI ecosystem as it comprises of the production, dissemination and use of knowledge and can offer possible solutions to address the trade-offs that the systemic nature of the SDGs present.