Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development

The chapters in this volume were originally background papers for the World Economic and Social Survey 2011. Editors Vos and Alarcón believe that technology for a green economy is more of a matter of application than availability. These technologies already exist, they argue; the challenge lies in implementing them in ways that are inexpensive, accessible, and responsive to local contexts.

In line with this, much of the book focuses on improved policy and governance for sustainably harnessing the benefits of technology. The chapter on clean energy, for instance, surveys an array of policy measures and impacts from around the world. The policy it favours is the Japanese Top Runner Program, where the most energy-efficient product in a particular category then sets the standards for energy efficiency going forward. This has led to energy efficiency gains ranging from 23 per cent for cars to 99 per cent for computers.

The chapter points to the value of this type of programme, but argues that more holistic transformation and international cooperation (rather than dependence on the private sector) are necessary to tackle energy poverty and climate change impacts. The chapter on addressing food security makes similar recommendations for strengthened partnerships.

The question of ownership is another challenge addressed in the book. The editors comment, “most innovation takes place in the developed countries and private corporations in those countries are the main owners of the intellectual property rights covering most green technologies” (page 3). To avoid a situation where innovation drives further inequality, the chapter on technological capabilities in China encourages both technology transfer and indigenous innovation. The Chinese wind power sector, which is now the world’s main provider of wind power, is cited as a positive case that contained both of these elements.

The editors highlight the urgency of strengthening sustainable innovation systems. Due to climate change and other pressures, they argue that “the technological revolution for a green economy” (page 3) needs to occur within the next 40 years.

Available open access from:

https://www.bloomsburycollections.com/book/technology-and-innovation-for-sustainable-development/

Further reading:

Fu, Xiaolan, Carlo Pietrobelli and Luc Soete (2011), “The Role of Foreign Technology and Indigenous Innovation in the Emerging Economies: Technological Change and Catching-up”, World Development Vol 39, No 7, pages 1204–1212, available at http://www.uwi.edu/ccfc/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/The-Role-of-Foreign-Technology-and-Indigenous-Innovation-in-the-Emerging-Economies.pdf.

White, Rodney R (1992), “The international transfer of urban technology: does the North have anything to offer for the global environmental crisis?”, Environment and Urbanization Vol 4, No 2, pages 109–120, available at http://eau.sagepub.com/content/4/2/109.abstract.

Book note prepared by Christine Ro