UN Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) is about building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation. Adopted as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it recognises that reliable infrastructure and new ideas can help societies thrive—provided the benefits are shared fairly and development does not come at the expense of people or the planet.
Why SDG 9 matters
Transport networks, energy systems, communications and water infrastructure are essential to everyday life. They connect people with jobs, education and healthcare, and help businesses make and distribute goods. When infrastructure is unreliable, unsafe or inaccessible, communities can be cut off from opportunities and essential services.
Industry also plays a significant role in creating employment, supporting livelihoods and supplying the goods people need. But industrial growth must become more sustainable. Cleaner production, efficient use of resources and responsible management of pollution can help reduce environmental harm while supporting economic development.
Innovation is another important part of SDG 9. Research, technology and new ways of working can help address challenges such as climate change, limited resources and unequal access to services. Innovation can be high-tech, but it can also include practical local solutions developed with the people who will use them.
What SDG 9 aims to achieve
SDG 9 includes several targets for governments and the international community. These include developing quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure; supporting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation; improving access to finance and markets for small businesses; and upgrading industries so they use resources more efficiently and adopt cleaner technologies.
The goal also seeks to strengthen scientific research and technological capacity, particularly in developing countries. It calls for greater access to information and communications technology, including affordable internet access, and encourages more research and development investment.
Key challenges
Progress towards SDG 9 is uneven. Many communities still lack dependable transport, electricity or digital connectivity. The cost of building and maintaining infrastructure can be high, while extreme weather and other climate-related risks can damage essential networks. Infrastructure planning therefore needs to consider long-term resilience as well as immediate demand.
Industrial development can create jobs and improve living standards, but it can also increase emissions, waste and pressure on natural resources if it is not managed responsibly. Countries and businesses face the challenge of making production cleaner while ensuring that workers and communities are treated fairly.
There is also a digital divide. Access to reliable internet and digital services varies between and within countries, and affordability, skills and accessibility can all be barriers. Without inclusive planning, new technologies may benefit some groups while leaving others further behind.
How progress can be supported
- Plan for resilience: Design infrastructure to withstand climate risks and serve communities over the long term.
- Invest in cleaner industry: Improve energy and resource efficiency, reduce pollution and support the adoption of sustainable technologies.
- Back small businesses: Help small and medium-sized enterprises access finance, skills, technology and markets.
- Make innovation inclusive: Invest in research and digital access, and involve local communities in developing solutions.
- Measure what matters: Track access, safety, environmental impact and who benefits—not only the amount of infrastructure built or goods produced.
How organisations and individuals can contribute
Governments can set standards, fund essential infrastructure and create policies that encourage responsible industry and research. Businesses can improve working conditions, reduce emissions and waste, and invest in more efficient processes. Universities and research organisations can share knowledge and develop solutions in partnership with industry and communities.
Individuals can support SDG 9 by using digital services thoughtfully, building relevant skills and choosing to support organisations that take sustainability and responsible production seriously. Community groups can also help identify local infrastructure needs and make sure that development plans reflect the experiences of the people who use those services.
Building a more connected and sustainable future
SDG 9 is about more than roads, factories or technology. It is about creating the foundations for people and businesses to participate in a sustainable economy. Progress depends on infrastructure that is reliable and resilient, industry that is inclusive and environmentally responsible, and innovation that improves lives. Achieving these aims will require long-term investment and cooperation between governments, businesses, researchers and communities.
9 Ways to Support UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Support reliable, sustainable infrastructure.
- Choose public transport, cycling or walking.
- Back local businesses and makers.
- Encourage responsible innovation.
- Use energy-efficient technology.
- Help small businesses access digital tools.
- Promote fair, safe working conditions.
- Reuse materials and reduce industrial waste.
- Support resilient infrastructure in your community.
Support reliable, sustainable infrastructure.
Supporting reliable, sustainable infrastructure means investing in transport, energy, water and digital networks that people can depend on and access fairly. These systems should be designed to last, withstand climate risks and minimise harm to the environment. Governments, businesses and communities can contribute by prioritising well-planned projects, maintaining existing infrastructure and choosing materials and technologies that use resources efficiently. Strong, inclusive infrastructure helps connect people with essential services, education and employment, supporting progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 9.
Choose public transport, cycling or walking.
Choosing public transport, cycling or walking instead of travelling by car can support UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 by encouraging more sustainable, efficient transport systems and helping reduce congestion and pollution. These choices also highlight the value of safe, accessible infrastructure—such as reliable bus and rail services, cycle lanes and well-maintained pavements—that connects people with work, education and essential services.
Back local businesses and makers.
Backing local businesses and makers supports the aims of UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 by helping small enterprises grow, innovate and create jobs in their communities. Choosing locally made products, using nearby services and recommending independent businesses can help them reach new customers and invest in better tools, skills and more sustainable ways of working. These choices also strengthen local supply chains and keep more value within the community.
Encourage responsible innovation.
Encouraging responsible innovation means developing and using new ideas, products and technologies in ways that benefit people and protect the planet. Support solutions that are safe, accessible and energy-efficient, and consider their effects on workers, communities and the environment throughout their lifecycle. By involving diverse voices in research and design, organisations can help ensure innovation addresses real needs and contributes to the inclusive, sustainable industry and resilient infrastructure promoted by UN Sustainable Development Goal 9.
Use energy-efficient technology.
Using energy-efficient technology is a practical way to support UN Sustainable Development Goal 9, which promotes sustainable industry and innovation. From efficient lighting and appliances to modern machinery and data systems, these technologies can reduce energy use, lower operating costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses, public services and households can all contribute by choosing efficient options, maintaining equipment and replacing outdated systems where practical. Small improvements, adopted widely, can help make infrastructure and industry more sustainable.
Help small businesses access digital tools.
Helping small businesses access digital tools can make them more competitive and resilient, supporting the aims of UN Sustainable Development Goal 9. Affordable software, online payment systems, e-commerce platforms and reliable internet can help businesses reach new customers, manage their operations and make better-informed decisions. Training and practical support are just as important as access to technology, helping owners and staff use digital tools confidently and safely. By investing in inclusive digital access, communities can give small businesses more opportunities to innovate, grow and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Promote fair, safe working conditions.
Promoting fair, safe working conditions is essential to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 9. As industries grow and adopt new technologies, workers should benefit from decent pay, secure employment, equal opportunities and protection from hazards. Businesses can help by assessing workplace risks, providing suitable training and equipment, respecting workers’ rights and listening to employees’ concerns. Safe, fair workplaces support people’s wellbeing and help build a more inclusive and sustainable industry.
Reuse materials and reduce industrial waste.
Reusing materials and reducing industrial waste are practical ways to support UN Sustainable Development Goal 9. Businesses can repair and reuse equipment, recycle production offcuts and redesign processes so fewer resources are discarded. These steps can lower costs, reduce pressure on raw materials and limit pollution, while encouraging cleaner, more efficient industry. By making waste prevention part of everyday operations, companies can help build a more sustainable and resilient industrial sector.
Support resilient infrastructure in your community.
Supporting resilient infrastructure in your community means helping ensure that essential services—such as transport, energy, water and internet access—can withstand disruption and serve people reliably over time. Find out what local infrastructure needs attention, take part in community consultations, and encourage decision-makers to prioritise accessible, sustainable and climate-resilient improvements. Small actions, such as reporting damaged pavements or drains, can also help make neighbourhoods safer and better prepared for the future.