Building a better future through industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9)

This chapter focuses on SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. It is a way of thinking about the role of sustainable industry and the importance of reliable and resilient infrastructure to facilitate economic growth. By supporting the development of industry and employment SDG 9 facilitates the achievement of many of the other SDGs. The chapter explores the three themes of industry, innovation and infrastructure and shows how to introduce these ideas in the classroom and thus connect them with students’ lives. It also introduces the idea of the circular economy as a way of rethinking how resources can be used and reused to support economic growth. The chapter begins by exploring the changing industrial heritage and infrastructural needs of the local area, thus supporting the curriculum for history and geography. This is also an opportunity to reflect on how similar changes in other places may impact on people’s lives, thus creating a sense of global connection. Through the theme of innovation, students are encouraged to appreciate the need for creative thinking in order to develop industry and employment. This theme contributes to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business studies curriculum as well as that of geography and history. The chapter ends with activities and case studies which bring together the role of innovation and the importance of reliable and resilient infrastructure to support and develop sustainable industry and employment around the world.