Background: SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation worldwide. SDG 9’s key targets include developing sustainable, resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive industrialization, and upgrading industries and infrastructure to meet sustainability standards. These elements are not only vital for driving economic growth but are also crucial for advancing environmental sustainability and enhancing social well-being.
Several challenges persist across different regions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, more than 60% of the population lacks access to reliable electricity, hindering economic growth and exacerbating poverty due to the absence of resilient energy infrastructure. Similarly, Southeast Asia faces the vulnerability of transportation networks, with frequent flooding and extreme weather events exposing the inadequacies of infrastructure in countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, leading to billions in annual damages. The funding gap for resilient infrastructure remains a significant barrier, with $3.7 trillion in annual investments, but an estimated $15 trillion is still needed by 2040 to meet growing demands.
At the same time, in many rapidly developing economies, the pace of ndustrialization often surpasses the ability to build sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure. Despite significant economic investments, such regions frequently overlook green technologies and energy-efficient designs in the construction of buildings, roads, and other critical infrastructure, resulting in long-term environmental consequences.
Outdated and Unprepared: Why Infrastructure Fails Sustainability and Innovation
Infrastructure worldwide is facing significant challenges, struggling to meet modern demands due to aging systems, rapid urbanization, climate change, and insufficient innovation. Many critical infrastructure systems, such as roads, bridges, and energy grids, were constructed decades ago and are now outdated. As a result, these systems are plagued by rising maintenance costs, frequent service disruptions, and increased failure risks. In the U.S., the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) rated the nation’s infrastructure a C-, signaling its deteriorating state.
Rapid urbanization is further exacerbating these issues. With 68% of the global population expected to live in cities by 2050, urban areas are seeing an overwhelming strain on public services, transportation, and housing. Cities like Mumbai and Sao Paulo are grappling with severe traffic congestion and inadequate public transit systems, while informal settlements across the world often lack even basic infrastructure. This creates an environment where inequality deepens, impeding progress toward sustainable development.
Adding to the complexity, climate change is intensifying the pressure on infrastructure. Extreme weather events—floods, wildfires, and hurricanes—are increasingly damaging vital systems like roads, railways, and power grids. The 2021 Texas power grid failure and the Flint, Michigan water crisis are stark reminders of the vulnerabilities in energy and water management systems that cannot withstand such shocks. Furthermore, traditional infrastructure continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to environmental degradation and undermining global sustainability goals.
Despite the availability of advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and automation that could offer innovative solutions, the adoption of these technologies has been slow. High costs, regulatory barriers, and a lack of investment have impeded progress, leaving many countries lagging. Moreover, the digital divide persists, with billions of people in underserved regions lacking access to smart grids and reliable internet connectivity. This technological gap limits opportunities for innovation and economic growth, further hindering efforts to build sustainable, resilient infrastructure.
Reimagining Progress: Breakthrough Strategies for Resilient Infrastructure
As the world grapples with the challenges of aging infrastructure, rapid urbanization, and climate change, it’s clear that building resilient infrastructure demands a collaborative and multi-faceted approach—one that brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Fortunately, numerous successful initiatives around the globe demonstrate how innovation, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking technologies can build the sustainable, resilient infrastructure that our world urgently needs.
One prime example of this is the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF), a global partnership launched in 2014 to support infrastructure development in emerging markets and developing economies. By bringing together multilateral development banks, governments, and private investors, GIF has mobilized over $70 billion in funding for more than 80 projects in transportation, energy, and water systems.
Equally promising are the innovative strategies and technologies emerging to enhance infrastructure resilience. In Singapore, for instance, the Intelligent Transport System uses AI and IoT to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve public transit efficiency—an approach that showcases how data-driven solutions can address the challenges of urbanization. Similarly, in the Netherlands, advanced flood management systems, such as the Maeslant Barrier, utilize real-time data and predictive analytics to safeguard coastal cities from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. These technologies not only increase efficiency but also enhance the adaptability of infrastructure to future challenges, providing models for cities around the world.
Moreover, the integration of renewable energy and sustainable materials into infrastructure development is transforming the very foundations of construction. Denmark, for example, is a global leader in wind energy, generating over 50% of its electricity from wind power—a model for nations looking to shift toward low-carbon economies. In construction, materials like carbon-neutral concrete and self-healing asphalt are already extending the lifespan of roads and buildings while significantly reducing their environmental footprint. Projects like Amsterdam’s The Edge —dubbed the world’s most energy-efficient office building—are setting new benchmarks for energy-efficient, green infrastructure that drastically lowers energy consumption and exemplifies the potential of sustainable design.
These breakthrough strategies demonstrate that the path to resilient infrastructure doesn’t have to be a distant goal. With the right innovations, collaborations, and investments, we can build the infrastructure of tomorrow—one that is sustainable, adaptable, and capable of withstanding the challenges of the future.
China’s Achievements in Innovative and Resilient Infrastructure
As a global leader in infrastructure innovation, China has harnessed cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and large-scale investments to build resilient, future-ready infrastructure. One of the country’s most remarkable feats is the creation of the world’s largest high-speed rail (HSR) network, spanning over 42,000 km and accounting for more than 70% of the global total. The Fuxing bullet train, capable of speeds up to 350 km/h, has revolutionized domestic travel, significantly reduced journey times and improving economic connectivity. The Beijing-Shanghai HSR line, which transports over 100 million passengers annually, exemplifies how modern rail infrastructure can promote regional economic integration while decreasing reliance on air travel and supporting sustainable urban growth.
Beyond transportation, China has made substantial strides in smart city development and digital infrastructure. Hangzhou’s “City Brain,” powered by Alibaba’s AI technology, has cut traffic congestion by 15%, demonstrating how data-driven solutions can optimize urban management.
China’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable urban development further strengthens its leadership in resilient infrastructure. As the world’s largest investor in clean energy, China produces over 50% of the global supply of solar panels and wind turbines. Large-scale projects like the Three Gorges Dam, vast solar farms in the Tengger Desert, and floating solar farms showcase the nation’s ability to scale renewable energy solutions to meet future needs. The Xiong’an New Area, a carbon-neutral city powered entirely by renewable energy and AI-driven infrastructure, serves as a model for sustainable urban planning, offering a glimpse of what the future of cities could look like.
Building Bridges to Sustainability: How Resilient Infrastructure Drives Global
Progress Across SDGs
Resilient infrastructure (SDG 9) is a cornerstone of sustainable development, acting as both a driver and enabler for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It plays a critical role in the transition to affordable and clean energy (SDG7) by providing the necessary foundation for renewable energy systems like solar and wind power. At the same time, it supports the creation of sustainable cities and communities (SDG11) through the development of efficient, smart, and climate-resilient urban environments that reduce emissions and enhance quality of life. Resilient infrastructure also underpins responsible consumption and production (SDG12) by enabling sustainable practices such as waste management and circular economies. Furthermore, it is essential for addressing climate change (SDG13), as it allows for the development of systems that can withstand natural disasters and reduce carbon footprints. Finally, it strengthens global partnerships (SDG17) by fostering international cooperation and integrating shared networks for sustainable development. In essence, resilient infrastructure is the backbone of a sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected future, connecting and supporting efforts across all SDGs.
Conclusion
The way to build up resilient infrastructure is long and arduous. Not only does the technology need to be innovative, but also different organizations need to work together in corporation. On the way towards SDG9, by investing in sustainable infrastructure and fostering innovation, we can create a foundation for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being. As we look ahead, let us draw inspiration from global efforts to build smarter, greener, and more resilient systems, knowing that each step forward contributes to a more sustainable and interconnected future.
Author:
Cynthia Liu Zhi Heng
currently completing her Bachelor of Civil Engineering at the University of Macau,
will be continuing her education with a Master of Civil Engineering at the University
of California, Berkeley.
Contact: http://linkedin.com/in/zhiheng-liu-0ab7162b9
Ricky Lam Chin Pong
Sustainability Development Officer of Earth Environmental Foundation
Research Assistant at Division of Environmental Ecology, School of Environment, Tsinghua University
Deputy Dean Assistant at College of Engineering, Peking University
Undergraduate student of Civil Engineering, University of Macau
Macau Silver Lotus Scholarship Awardee
Contact : https://www.linkedin.com/in/展邦-林-5b96b226b/?locale=en_US