The Sustainable Development Goals: The Technology Imperative Shashi Buluswar UNCTAD – Trade and Development Board June 2018 The next generation of breakthrough technologies to combat global poverty
Health Human rights Food security Water Climate change & 1 environmental damage Gender equity Authors I Shashi Buluswar, Zach Friedman, Priya Mehta, Subarna Mitra, Roger Sathre Education Editor I Urvashi J Kumar 2015 Digital inclusion Electricity
• Integrated solar- powered ‘clinic -in-a- box’ for rural areas Health • Point-of-care DNA-based TB diagnostic; effective TB vaccine; improved anti-bacterials • Low-cost mechanization: irrigation pumps, well-digging, post-harvest processing • Precision agriculture systems for water, fertilizer, etc. Agriculture & • ‘Utility -in-a- box’ for affordable rural solar mini -grids rural development • Affordable solar-powered refrigerator • Low-cost clean energy automobile for rural households • ‘Smart’ electronic textbooks Education • New method for desalination: low cost, energy-efficient, high salinity • Distributed sensors for environmental toxins Water & environment • Retrofit automobile exhaust filters • New generation of homes for the urban poor • Simple point-of-use DNA-based rape kit Women’s equity & safety • Wearable “SOS” device with geo -location
US/EU labs R&D required Emerging markets R&D institutions Emerging markets private sector Low Emerging Markets only Global Commercial attractiveness
A solar mini-grid system for rural electrification
• 99+% pathogens destroyed • Build-up time: 8 years • Normal pour-flush, water-seal toilet • Showcased by Government of India
High Microbe-based Vermifiltration biodigester Septic tank Twin pit (pour flush) Single pit (pour flush) Safety Improved pit latrine Simple pit latrine Open defecation Low Affordability >$50 $0 (cost per year)
How emerging powers are positioned Human Policy Private Engineering Development R&D ecosystem sector US Strong Europe Brazil China India Africa Weak
Models of technology development and adoption Strong “Leading science, but “Pioneers” catching up on innovation” EU USA capabilities R&D “Wait” “Fast follower” Africa China & India Weak Weak Strong Engineering capabilities and private sector
Policy imperatives for the international community US/EU labs R&D required Emerging markets R&D institutions Emerging markets private sector Low Emerging Markets only Global Commercial attractiveness
Policy imperatives for emerging powers Out-dated Current, in targeted The long-term model industries (pharma) For the SDGs solution “Reverse” Invest in Fast Wait outsource strong R&D follower R&D capabilities 1960 2000 2010 2020+
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