The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, saw the formal adoption of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) agenda for sustainable development. This commitment aims to strengthen knowledge transfer, capacity building, and financing, focusing on digital infrastructure, open science, equitable access to artificial intelligence (AI), and expanding STEM education in developing countries.
However, despite rapid technological progress, the event acknowledged that developing countries are still hindered in fully leveraging innovation for sustainable development. Challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure, limited data access, insufficient national capacity, and a lack of international support have created persistent digital divides both between and within countries.
A significant part of the agenda emphasizes the need for countries to implement mission-oriented, country-led innovation strategies. These strategies should include roadmaps for aligning science, technology, and innovation (STI) with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through digital transformation. For instance, EU Commissioner for Science Policy Mariana Balkar has pointed out that fostering STI must go beyond technology alone. It should also align with social and economic needs. Developing countries, she argues, need to create more tech jobs for youth and women, particularly in emerging sectors like AI and digital technology.
One of the key points raised at FfD4 was the necessity for innovation talent development. For example, Josephine Harris, an education policy expert from Oxford University, highlighted the importance of academic exchanges and scholarships for students from developing countries. Harris has worked on joint academic projects between China and the UK, aiming to provide students with access to cutting-edge tech education, thereby nurturing future generations of innovators.
Another important issue addressed in the conference was the balance between intellectual property rights and technology transfer. Intellectual property protections should encourage technological innovation while ensuring that knowledge can be shared globally. Companies like Google and Microsoft have pioneered this approach by not only investing heavily in R&D but also making their technologies open-source to help small businesses and developers in emerging markets. This strategy fosters technological growth in developing countries and levels the playing field.
In order to better equip developing nations with the tools they need to innovate, FfD4 emphasized the importance of increasing investments in digital infrastructure, research centers, and innovation hubs. For example, Germany has made significant strides in AI research, positioning itself as a global leader in the sector. Through international cooperation, countries can share knowledge and tackle global challenges like climate change and public health.
However, challenges persist in developing countries. South Africa’s Thandi Mgwebi, group executive of the National Research Foundation, pointed out that Africa faces underinvestment and weak private sector involvement in STI. She stressed that Africa’s innovation ecosystems should not just be participants but leaders in shaping sustainable development. Mgwebi’s call for better financing and institutional support aligns with the 2024 report "Science, Technology, and Innovation for SDGs in Sub-Saharan Africa," which advocates for tailored STI policies to address regional challenges and ensure progress toward SDG goals.
When discussing the societal impact of innovation, Hayat Sindi, CEO of the Institute for Quality in Saudi Arabia, emphasized that STI should be integrated with social innovation. "STI does not have a social compass," she argued, suggesting that it could be both beneficial and harmful if not aligned with societal needs. To this end, she advocates for teaching creativity as part of the educational system from elementary school to university level. Governments, she believes, should fund creativity education, as it is the engine that drives innovation.
The successful implementation of the STI agenda will require detailed plans, especially for low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Mohamed Hassan, President of Sudan’s National Academy of Sciences, highlighted the need for a clear plan that integrates the STI agenda into national development strategies. He stressed that countries should allocate at least 1% of their GDP to R&D, as recommended by UNESCO, and establish world-class universities to attract and train talent.
Ultimately, global cooperation remains crucial in leveraging scientific and technological advancements for sustainable development. International support for open access to digital goods, affordable technology, and collaborative R&D is vital for ensuring that developing countries can benefit from technological progress. By fostering such global partnerships, the world can build a more sustainable future, driven by inclusive innovation.