UN Goal: Innovation, Industry, Infrastructure

Infrastructure, industry and innovation are the cornerstones of sustainable development, but their quality and availability are still very uneven. It is reminiscent of Goal 9 of the UN Agenda; without modern technologies, strong industry and efficient infrastructure, it is difficult to speak of real social or climate progress.

Infrastructure: sustainable development

The basis of sustainable social and economic development is, among other things, modern, accessible and resilient infrastructure. One of the most important features of this developed infrastructure is also mobile broadband, which is a network that allows high-speed Internet access through mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets or USB modems, but without the need for a cable connection. In 2022, 95% of the world's population was within its reach, but many regions, particularly in developing countries, remain underserved in terms of service quality or access to technology. When there is a lack of development in this area, it automatically generates many other problems; such deficiencies mean that there are much less opportunities for education, development of local business and participation of citizens in the digital economy.

The infrastructure sector itself also faces a challenge that we often associate precisely with the narrative of sustainable development - it is low carbon. Global carbon dioxide emissions, which come from industrial and energy processes, increased by 0.9% in 2022, thus reaching record (!) 36.8 billion tons. Interestingly, the rate of emissions was lower than the growth rate of global GDP, which confirms the trend of decoupling economic growth from emissions, the scale of the challenges is still enormous. Which countries are at the forefront of carbon emissions in the world (2022 data)?

China
USA
Indies
Russia
Japan
The European Union (as 27 countries)

It should be noted that the European Union, as one of the few global political forces, pursues an ambitious climate policy under the name of the European Green Deal (European Green Deal). At the same time, the EU alone accounts for only 6.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By comparison, China — the largest single issuer — generates more than three times more emissions than the EU.

According to Przystanek Eko Biznes:

Global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 were about 53.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO₂e). Together, the five largest emitters of greenhouse gases and the European Union account for about 55.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Important! It is worth remembering that the emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is not the same as the emission of all greenhouse gases. In addition to CO₂, other gases such as methane or nitrous oxide also enter the atmosphere, which also heat the climate - sometimes even more strongly. Therefore, the reports often state the so-called. CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e), that is, the combined effect of all these gases converted as if they were just CO₂ emissions. This makes it easier to compare how different countries or sectors are contributing to climate change.

How should transport, energy and digital infrastructure respond to the growing needs of the population and at the same time be resilient to crises (both economic and climate)? Surely some solutions are:

investment in low-carbon systems,
smart power grids,
public transport,
Digitalization of public services.

In particular, the least developed countries need intensive support in order to emerge from infrastructural exclusion and participate in global development in a real way.

In the European and Polish context programs supporting the development of modern infrastructure play an important role. Such a program is e.g.Connecting Europe Facility 2 (CEF 2) - it is an EU financial instrument that aims to modernise and integrate transport, energy and digital infrastructure in the EU. It will take into account actions in the field of sustainable development and decarbonisation. How does tefo Polska use it? For example, being in projects to expand railway corridors, digitize energy networks and build charging stations for electric vehicles. At the same time, as part of the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO), Poland envisages multi-billion investments in infrastructure. Part of this plan is the development of high-speed railways, renewable energy networks, the digitization of schools and public services, as well as the provision of broadband internet in rural areas.

Industry and innovation: the driving force

Investment in science and research is an example of a good, even crucial, practice to drive industry and innovation. In Poland, in 2023, it took place NCBR Conference Horizon of Innovation during which “cooperation”, “partnership”, “synergy”, “interactions” and “networking” were most often mentioned as key slogans contributing to the success of innovative ventures in Poland. As she admitted during the event Deputy Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak, investing in research, science, competence development and digitalization is the most effective way to build a stable, secure and prosperous 21st century economy.

In Poland, the National Centre for Research and Development (using European funds, Norwegian and EEA funds and national resources) has donated almost PLN 80 billion over 16 years of its activity to support the R & D (R & D) work of Polish enterprises of various sizes, universities and research institutes. The implemented programs were and are milestones in the development of many sectors of the Polish economy. Thanks to these investments, innovative solutions have been created in the fields of medicine, energy, recycling, education and digital technologies. These innovations not only increase the competitiveness of Polish companies, but also contribute to the improvement of the quality of life and support the transformation towards a green, digital economy.

Although expenditure on research and development (R&D) in Poland is increasing, we are still below expectations and European standards. In 2022, the share of R&D expenditure in Polish GDP amounted to about 1.45%, and in 2023 - increased to 1.56% (which means about PLN 53.1 billion spent on this purpose). This is certainly a recorded progress (10 years ago it was 1.0%), but for comparison:

The EU average in 2023 is 2.24% of GDP,
in countries such as the Czech Republic, they reached 1.89%, while EU leaders exceed 3% (e.g. Sweden, Austria, Belgium).

According to the OECD, Poland still ranks in the category emergent innovator - despite the increasing investment of the business sector in research, the efficiency of these expenditures remains low. Companies are less likely to introduce new products and processes than their EU counterparts, also because of barriers such as high cost, difficulties in obtaining grants or skills shortages.

Summary: Confessions of Purpose #9

Infrastructure and innovation are progressing, yet we continue to struggle with unequal access to technology, insufficient investment in research and difficulties in transforming industry towards a more sustainable one. Even if the world's hard data tells us we have progress this key word — inequality — says more than numbers. This slogan indicates that even if the overall level of development increases, it does not necessarily mean similar development everywhere and that this development is actually sustainable.

Less developed countries and regions outside the mainstream of technological progress require special support. Systemic and political action, especially in the context of regulation, now seems much more valuable than management from the level of inefficient Washington campaigns that do not solve the real problems associated with the industry and its potential harm.

Sources:

UN Goal: Innovation, Industry, Infrastructure

Other stories

Mothers at work

Sustainable Development Goal: economic growth and decent work

Holidays and travel? Digital nomads know it every day

Sustainable Development Goal: Access to affordable and clean energy.

Discover topics that are important to you