Technology and the SDGs -An overview

Technology can serve as a powerful catalyst in achieving the SDGs. Over the years, we have seen the use of technology in bridging existing social inequality gaps by leveling the playing field for disadvantaged groups, in moving intelligence and information from the center to the periphery for equal access by all groups, and in helping protect the environment by enabling the monitoring of key environmental indicators, and identifying alternative sources of energy. We have also seen it boost economic prosperity by creating new opportunities in the form of new markets with improved products and services. Since the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, there have been a plethora of examples of technological applications aimed usually at achieving sustainable development all over the globe. And with a growing consensus that technologies have important roles to play in achieving the SDGs, the trend is not likely to slacken soon.

Sustainable development is an important concept for the world today for several reasons. For one, the future of the world as we know it today depends on it. Since the industrial revolution, economic development has been on the rise bringing along with it higher and better standards of living. Unfortunately, most of the development came at the cost of immense degradation to our environment. The level of damage already caused is feared to become irreversible if business continues as usual. High amounts of Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere through heavy industrial activity create a greenhouse effect around the Earth, effectively increasing the average temperature of the atmosphere. This effect is believed to facilitate a phenomenon called Climate change, a series of extreme climate changes that will disrupt agricultural productivity, increase the prevalence of storms and hurricanes, and potentially limit the planet’s ability to support life. On another level, despite all the economic development we have made, huge inequalities persist globally. These glaring inequalities exist within and among countries and serves as the foundation for instability in most countries. There is therefore the need for a way to increase economic output while conserving our planet and making sure that none is left behind. This is the backbone of sustainable development -environmental conservation, economic prosperity, and social inclusiveness.

Typically, technologies are classified according to the domain they are applied. So, one can think of agricultural technology, manufacturing technology, or even information communications technologies among others. In subsequent posts, I have chosen to discuss technologies that have been the center of focus in recent years driving what is commonly known as the digital transformation. Consider this: the largest taxi company in 2016 didn’t own any taxis, the largest accommodation provider owned no real estate, and the largest phone companies owned no telecommunication infrastructure. Such is the nature of the digital transformation; intangible assets such as data are driving productivity and creating new industries. The underlying technologies of this digital transformation, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, blockchain, Cloud Computing, Big Data, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things, are forecasted to radically transform virtually all industries. International organizations such as the OECD are keenly following the ongoing digital transformation, and this warrants a look at how some of these technologies can help in achieving the global SDGs. Characterized by speed and the ability to scale fast, these technologies facilitate deployment of goods and service offerings easily. They also facilitate value mobility beyond geographical borders, a feature that truly makes the world a global village.

To realize the maximum potential of technologies, stakeholders need to consider several issues. Firstly, it is key to eliminate ideas of technocentrism, the idea that technology is a silver-bullet that can solve every problem. The problems we seek to solve through the SDGs are very systematic in nature, linked one to another in very complicated ways. Technological determinism is one, not the only, way to look at problems. Secondly, technology is not technology is not technology. I cannot emphasize this enough. What works for region A might work for city B but not country C. Conducting ethnographic studies and employing design thinking tools will help inform decisions to deploy technologies in different regions. Thirdly, in developing digital applications, there should be "security by design". Digital technologies require security to be effective. Without adequate security imbibed in the design of the system, users are left vulnerable to all sorts of attacks.

Two challenges that are worth considering include human-resources, and cost and maturity of technologies. Without adequate human resource, it is impossible to reap full benefits of technologies. Some of the technologies discussed in my other posts require advanced programmers, experienced experts in healthcare delivery, and scientists who are part of the global academic community actively generating knowledge. Technologies in themselves are not solutions, they require people who understand the societal implications of technological systems and act accordingly. Education must therefore be a consistent investment priority for governments around the globe, helping to train and prepare professionals for exceptional work in society.

The cost and maturity of technologies is also very important. When prices are too high, only the rich can afford services. At the very core of Sustainable Development, however, is social inclusiveness. In effect, whatever technologies are employed should be reasonably priced so that people from all income groups can enjoy the benefits. As technology advances, the cost of devices goes down and improve the likelihood of mass-production. Another aspect of technology maturity is technology adoption, the readiness of people to accept technology. This depends on several factors such as observability, compatibility, and triability among others [1].

Technology provides immense opportunities to scale efforts in achieving the SDGs by 2030. The opportunities should be explored, studied, and implemented all over the world.

Notes

M. LaMorte, Wayne W. MD, PhD, “Diffusion of Innovation Theory,” 2016. [Online]. Available: http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/SB/BehavioralChangeTheories/BehavioralChangeTheories4.html. [Accessed: 19-Dec-2017]

Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/