Role of Technology in Achieving SDG Adoption in Emerging Economies
AI; Blockchain; Digital infrastructure; Digital technology; Emerging economies; IoT; SDG adoption; Sustainability
Technology has always changed the world for the better making processes efficient and effective, yet it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding and know-how of these technologies in order to utilize them for SDG adoption especially in emerging economies. The United Nations sustainable development goals (SGDs) provide us with a framework for creating a more sustainable, prosperous and equitable future by the year 2030 and modern technology has a vital role to play in actualizing these plans. However, utilizing technology for SDG adoption in emerging economies come with its own set of constraints and challenges. Emerging economies face unique challenges in their pursuit of the United Nations SDGs, including limited infrastructure, economic instability, and unequal access of resources. Nonetheless is proving to be a key enabler in overcoming such hurdles and accelerating the adoption of SDGs. This chapter explores how technology, including mobile connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling smother and more streamlined adoption of SDGs and how emerging economies are the real beneficiaries. Mobile technology, for instance, has revolutionized the financial system making it inclusive, bring it within reach of the unbanked population of the world. Technology is also empowering small farmers with accurate weather forecast, real-time market data, and affordable crop management tools. This is a direct contribution to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). In a similar manner, AI-powered app-based healthcare solutions are a massive leap within the sector and can help tackling disease outbreaks and enhancing the general health of the people, thus having a direct positive impact on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Furthermore, the applications of IoT are numerous and are proving to be rather beneficial for cities in emerging economies. It is being utilized to implement smart energy grids to water management systems directly contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). This chapter concludes by examining the need of inclusive policies and investment in digital infrastructure to ensure that emerging economies can reap maximum through the modern-day technologies. It also addresses the potential risks, such as digital inequality and data privacy concerns assessing how the contemporary technology be utilized in order to achieve sustainable development in emerging economies. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.
Sustainable Development Goals Series;Volume;Part F993;pp.213-229
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https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-95103-9_14 https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105018211692?origin=resultslist
Bhardwaj H., Christ University Bengaluru, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India; Garg V., Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Maharashtra, Pune, India