How Ireland is advancing SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Ireland has a unique opportunity to leverage its strengths and address its challenges in advancing innovation.
SDG9 is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. It aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Ireland has a strong track record of supporting industry, innovation and infrastructure development. According to the Global Innovation Index 2020, Ireland ranks 12th out of 131 countries in terms of innovation performance. Ireland also ranks 9th out of 141 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index 2019, which measures the factors that enable productivity and long-term growth.
Ireland is committed to enhancing its digital capabilities and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities of the digital economy. The National Broadband Plan, launched in 2019, aims to provide high-speed broadband access to all premises in Ireland by 2026. The Digital Strategy for Schools, launched in 2015, aims to embed digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment. The Public Service ICT Strategy, launched in 2015, aims to improve the delivery of public services through digital innovation.
Ireland is investing in research and development (R&D) to foster a culture of creativity and discovery. The Innovation 2020 strategy, launched in 2015, sets out a vision for Ireland to become a global innovation leader. The strategy aims to increase public and private investment in R&D to 2.5% of GDP by 2020, support the development of talent and skills, enhance collaboration between academia and industry, and promote the commercialization of research outcomes.
Ireland is transitioning to a low-carbon, circular and bioeconomy that supports sustainable development and climate action. The Climate Action Plan 2019 sets out the actions that Ireland will take to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The plan covers sectors such as electricity, transport, buildings, agriculture and waste. The National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy, launched in 2018, outlines the potential of the bioeconomy to create jobs, generate value and enhance environmental sustainability.
Ireland is working with other countries and organizations to advance SDG9 at the global level. Ireland is a member of the European Union (EU), which has adopted a comprehensive approach to SDG9 through its policies and programmes such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Connecting Europe Facility and European Green Deal. Ireland is also a member of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which supports developing countries in achieving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
Ireland is making progress towards SDG9, but there are still challenges and opportunities ahead including bridging the digital divide. While Ireland has made significant strides in improving its digital infrastructure and services, there are still gaps in access and usage among different groups and regions. According to the Digital Economy and Society Index 2020, Ireland ranks 18th out of 28 EU countries in terms of digital skills. There is a need to enhance digital literacy and inclusion among all segments of society, especially those who are at risk of being left behind.
While Ireland has a vibrant innovation ecosystem, there is room for improvement in terms of quality and impact. According to the European Innovation Scoreboard 2020, Ireland ranks 10th out of 27 EU countries in terms of innovation performance. There is a need to strengthen the linkages between research and innovation actors, increase the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in innovation activities, and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and risk-taking.
Ireland has integrated the SDGs into its national policies and strategies, however there is a need to ensure that all sectors and stakeholders are aligned with the goals and targets. There is a need to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of SDG9-related initiatives, identify synergies and trade-offs with other SDGs, and enhance public awareness and engagement on the SDGs.
Ireland has a unique opportunity to leverage its strengths and address its challenges in advancing SDG9. By doing so, Ireland can not only contribute to the global agenda for sustainable development but also enhance its own economic competitiveness, social cohesion and environmental resilience.