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9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. With over half the world population now living in cities, mass transport and renewable energy are becoming ever more important, as are the growth of new industries and information and communication technologies.

Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy efficiency. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate sustainable development.

More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, and 90 percent are from the developing world. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to information and knowledge, as well as foster innovation and entrepreneurship.   

Read our stories to learn more about SDG Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

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Berita

China_Shipping_IMO_Agreement
Its industry would benefit from a plan to cut emissions, which the UN shipping regulator is due to finalise this year.
Palm_Oil_Worker_Fertiliser
As the EU's carbon border tax takes effect in 2026, developing countries warn it could shift climate costs onto poorer exporters.
Windmills in Wakkanai
The project taps direct power from onshore wind as Japan grapples with rising data centre energy demand.
Data_Centre_Growth_Southeast_Asia_Philippines
The Philippines’ ambition to become a data centre hub is running up against high electricity prices and a coal-heavy grid.
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Pendapat

A two speed world is emerging in ESG
Many of the people expected to deliver on increasing corporate sustainability requirements don’t even work in ESG – and there is a shortage of people who can bridge the gap between purpose and performance.
War_Food_Insecurity_Gaza
In Gaza and parts of Africa, we've seen how vulnerable food systems can be and we must act urgently to strengthen them worldwide.
Typhoon_Manila_Climate_Insurance
From Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean to floods in Southeast Asia, insurance is an underused tool for adaptation to climate extremes.
COP30_Indigenous_Voices_Belem
There was no shortage of Indigenous representatives at COP30, but the conference did not always seem to be listening, writes Dunio Chiriap Jimbicti.
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Video

KL petronas towers
Studio EB As Malaysia forges ahead with its 2050 net zero climate ambition, businesses must reshape their supply chains for a low carbon future. This Eco-Business video looks at how SMEs can adapt to new sustainability reporting requirements.
Cover image_The Liveability Challenge 2025_Innovation Dialogue
Funding for climate-related solutions has slowed down and it’s a ‘tough game’ for startups, said those familiar with the climate tech space at The Liveability Challenge Grand Finale 2025. What can founders and innovators do to bring an idea to commercialisation? And is Singapore an attractive-enough testbed?
Fireside chat with Dr Mark Konyn, AIA group chief investment officer
In this wide-ranging fireside chat moderated by Eco-Business CEO Jessica Cheam, AIA Group's chief investment officer Dr Mark Konyn asserts there is “no U-turn” among corporates invested for the long term, even as political regimes change amid a new world order.
KAS video intro
Studio EB From sponge cities to coastal forests, Asia is seeking ways to work with nature and prepare for the risks in a warmer-than-expected future. This Eco-Business video looks at what else cities need to do to strengthen climate resilience.
Semua Industry, innovation and infrastructure Video →

Audio

EB podcast_kitty bu
Southeast Asian energy ministers will meet in October to discuss the future of the region’s power grid. GEAPP’s Kitty Bu tells the Eco-Business podcast what areas they must collaborate on, and how finance and industry can help.
A beach in Balikpapan, Indonesia's "oil city", is covered in plastic trash.
Speaking from the INC-5.2 talks in Geneva, the Singapore Youth for Climate Action president argues that having no treaty is better than a watered-down pact with no limits on plastic production. But there is no explicit Asean-wide support for such caps now, she observes.
John Haffner, deputy director of sustainability, Hang Lung Properties, says internal advocacy has been key to driving the sustainability agenda. Image: ReThink 2
Having "stretch targets" can spur innovation, says the sustainability chief for one of Hong Kong's largest real estate firms in the latest episode of "On the frontlines". He also shares why the firm has chosen to publish the draft of its net zero plan for open discussion of its climate targets.
Sustainability professional should not be prescriptive with their solutions, says Aun Abdullah of real estate company Lodha.
In the latest episode of 'On the frontlines', the real estate giant's ESG head tells the EB Podcast that while there has been no pushback on climate action by corporate India, questions remain over whether the booming real estate sector is decarbonising fast enough.
Semua Industry, innovation and infrastructure Podcast →