SDG 9: BUILD RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, PROMOTE INDUSTRIALISATION & FOSTER INNOVATION
Overview of Goal 9
Goal 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation, recognizing their critical roles in economic growth, social development, and climate action.
Achieving this goal is essential for creating inclusive opportunities and driving sustainable development globally.
GOALS & TARGETS
- Infrastructure Development: Quality, reliable, and resilient infrastructure with equitable access (Target 9.1).
- Sustainable Industrialization: Significantly raise industry’s share of employment and GDP, especially in LDCs (Target 9.2).
- Financial Services Access: Increase access to credit for small-scale industries in developing countries (Target 9.3).
- Sustainability Upgrades: Retrofit industries for resource efficiency and clean technologies (Target 9.4).
- Enhance Scientific Research: Upgrade technological capabilities and increase R&D workers (Target 9.5).
- Support Developing Countries: Provide financial and technical support for infrastructure development (Target 9.A).
- Domestic Technology Development: Foster a conducive environment for innovation and industrial diversification (Target 9.B).
- Universal Internet Access: Strive for affordable internet access in LDCs (Target 9.C).
IMPORTANCE
- Economic Growth: Infrastructure investment is fundamental for facilitating economic activities and reducing inequalities.
- Social Development: Sustainable industrialization leads to job creation and improved living standards.
- Climate Action: Emphasizes the need for environmentally friendly technologies and practices.
CURRENT CHALLENGES
- Global Manufacturing Decline: Prior to COVID-19, global manufacturing was declining due to trade tensions. The pandemic exacerbated this issue, leading to significant economic impacts, including inflation and supply chain disruptions.
- Inequality in Progress: While some regions, particularly LDCs in Asia, have made strides, others, especially in Africa, must accelerate efforts to meet 2030 targets.
- Environmental Concerns: Global CO2 emissions reached 36.8 billion metric tons, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.
PROGRESS MADE
- Mobile Connectivity: 95% of the world’s population has access to mobile broadband networks, with significant improvements in mobile cellular signal reach (97%).
- Research and Development: Global R&D spending increased from 1.69% of GDP in 2015 to 1.93% in 2020, with a rise in researchers per million inhabitants.
- Manufacturing Growth: Despite a slowdown in 2022 (3.3% growth), medium-high and high-technology industries showed robust growth.
SDG 9 & INDIA
To assess India’s progress towards SDG 9, eight national-level indicators have been identified, capturing four out of the eight targets for 2030:
- The selection of indicators ensures data availability at the sub-national level and comparability across States and Union Territories (UTs).
GOAL 9 INDEX SCORE
- Index Score Range:
- States: 28 to 76
- UTs: 43 to 76
- Top Performers: Goa (State) and Puducherry (UT) lead in scores.
- Categories:
- Front Runners: Six States and two UTs scored between 65 and 100 (excluding 100).
- Aspirants: Eight States and two UTs scored below 50.
HIGHLIGHTS
Road Connectivity
- PMGSY Achievements: 99.7% of targeted habitations are connected by all-weather roads, aligning with global target 9.1.
- Top Performers: 10 States achieved 100% connectivity; Andaman and Nicobar Islands achieved this among UTs.
Manufacturing Sector Contributions
- GVA Share: The manufacturing sector contributed 14.3% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2022-2023.
- Top States:
- Sikkim: 35.7%
- Goa: 35.5%
- Gujarat: 35.3%
- UT Leader: Puducherry at 30.4%.
- Employment in Manufacturing
- Workforce Engagement: 11.42% of India’s workforce is employed in manufacturing (PLFS 2022-2023).
- State Leaders:
- Gujarat: 23.77%
- Arunachal Pradesh: 2.18% (lowest).
- UT Leaders: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: 52.42%.
Service Sector Contributions
- GVA Share: The service sector accounted for 54.18% of total GVA.
- Top States:
- Karnataka: 65.41%
- Telangana: 64.11%
- Sikkim: 28.6% (lowest).
- UT Leader: Chandigarh at 90.1%
Employment in Service Sector
- Workforce Engagement: 27.75% of the workforce is in the service sector.
- Top States: Goa: 54.1%, Chhattisgarh: 17.88% (lowest).
- UT Leader: Chandigarh: 75.88%.
Innovation Score
- Global Ranking: India ranks 46 out of 132 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2021 with a score of 36.4.
- State Scores:
- Manipur: 19.37 (highest)
- Chhattisgarh: 10.97 (lowest).
- UT Scores: Chandigarh: 27.88 (highest), Delhi: 27.
Mobile Phone Access
- Household Ownership: 93.3% of households own at least one mobile phone (NFHS-5).
- Top Performer: Goa at 99.0%; Chhattisgarh has the lowest at 85.7%.
- UT Leader: Delhi at 97.7%.
3G/4G Mobile Network Access
- Coverage: 95.08% of inhabited villages have access to 3G/4G.
- Top Performers:
- States: Haryana at 99.95%.
- UTs: Delhi, Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu at 100%.
- Lowest Coverage: Arunachal Pradesh at 47.9%.
INITIATIVES FOR SDG 9
India has made significant strides towards achieving SDG 9 through various government initiatives and programs. Here are some key examples:
Infrastructure Development
- BharatNet: A project to connect all villages in India with broadband internet connectivity.
- Smart Cities Mission: An initiative to develop 100 cities across India as smart cities with modern infrastructure and technology.
- National Highways Development Project (NHDP): A project to expand and modernize the national highway network in India.
Industrialization
- Make in India: A flagship initiative to promote manufacturing and attract foreign investment.
- Industrial Corridors Development Program: A project to develop industrial corridors across India to enhance connectivity and attract investment.
- Skill India Mission: A mission to provide vocational training and skill development to the youth of India.
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Government initiatives to support the growth and development of MSMEs, including financial assistance, market access, and technology adoption.
Innovation
- Start-up India: A program to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among young people in India.
- National Innovation Foundation (NIF): An organization that promotes grassroots innovation and traditional knowledge.
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): A government initiative to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students and young professionals.
Challenges and Opportunities :
While India has made significant progress, it still faces challenges in achieving SDG 9, such as infrastructure gaps, lack of skilled workforce, and limited access to finance. However, the country also has immense opportunities to leverage its demographic dividend, technological advancements, and growing economy to achieve its SDG 9 goals.
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