See all 17 Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs

What is SDG 9 about?

Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.

Industry, infrastructure and innovation help an economy to flourish. However, basic infrastructure that supports technologies, communications, transportation and sanitation is not available everywhere. Old and crumbling infrastructure is dangerous for people and businesses. This slows economic growth and social progress.

SDG 9 focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industry and fostering innovation.

This Goal is related to SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy, and SDG 13 Climate action.

What can businesses do to influence SDG 9?

Invest in resilient infrastructure – especially in developing countries - or retrofit existing infrastructure to make it more sustainable
Consider creative solutions to sustainability challenges
Connect with all relevant stakeholders, including minority groups, to develop infrastructure that benefits everyone
Work with NGOs to help promote sustainable growth within developing countries
Work with government to promote green technology and innovation
Open up patents so innovation can be used universally

How can I make progress?

Share knowledge with organisations in developing countries
Support developing new circular products and procedures
Work with universities to attract talent that is keen and knowledgeable and wants to build a better future for all

How businesses can benefit

Reduce costs. Investing in green infrastructure can help your business to use energy more efficiently.
Reduce risks. Making infrastructure more resilient can help protect your business against the impact of changing weather.
Focusing on research and development helps to future-proof your business.
Attract ambitious, engaged staff.

Examples

Fletcher Building’s Concrete division is investing in decarbonising cement and concrete in New Zealand. Inspired to help customers ‘build a better future’, the division has made progress in developing an extensive, competitive range of more sustainable products and solutions to meet growing demand.

SDG 9 Industries, innovation and infrastructure