Inno4sd Network launches a Global Initiative for supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
9 NOVEMBER 2018, BRUSSELS – The innovation for Sustainable Development Network (inno4sd.net) has held its fourth symposium on 7-9 November 2018, in Brussels. The event marked the launch of a new global initiative to create an international alliance of parties who are interested in the promotion and use of knowledge, science, technology and innovation to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate action and the emergence of a circular and inclusive economy.
The network held a high-level dialogue in the European Parliament on 7 November on the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in achieving the SDGs. The debate brought together participants from policy, academia and the public and private sectors, to consider how to monitor progress towards the SDGs and the role of innovation and STI roadmaps.
The dialogue was held in co-operation with Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy MEP (Democrats 66; Netherlands), of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) group, the Green Growth Knowledge Platform, Future Earth, the Japan Science and Technology Agency, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Speakers noted the importance of bringing different actors together from all related sectors, and enabling dialogue and co-operation between industry, academia and politics. “Innovation cannot only be driven by the economy – by economic profit alone – but must also be driven by social profit,” said Gerbrandy. “Often when thinking of the changes needed for a sustainable future, you do not detect the urgency in politics. I can feel the urgency in these discussions.”
inno4sd’s policy-science symposium followed on 8-9 November, discussing the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) for achieving the SDGs. The programme tackled topics of innovation missions, innovation policies, monitoring innovation progress, STI roadmaps and knowledge transfer. In total, more than 120 people attended the three-day event.
A full symposium report will shortly be published on the inno4sd website.
