Making Technological Innovation Work for Sustainable Development

This article examines how technological innovation can be more effectively harnessed to advance sustainable development. The authors argue that innovation plays a central role in addressing global challenges related to poverty, health, energy, food security, and environmental sustainability, but that technological change alone is insufficient without supportive institutions and governance systems. The paper proposes a framework for aligning innovation systems with sustainable development objectives, emphasizing the importance of inclusive access, policy coordination, capacity building, and attention to equity. Through examples from multiple sectors, the authors demonstrate how technological innovation can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals when embedded within broader social, economic, and political strategies.