YPP Information Systems and Technology

This guide is for those working in NSOs who are involved in managing access to statistical data, and who wish to explore the possibility of using synthetic data as a possible method for users to access it. The guide highlights some recent successful applications of synthetic data by a number of different NSOs, and introduces some of the different approaches that can be taken to creating synthetic data, including recommendations on which approaches to use in different situations, as well as practical tips and resources for getting started for practitioners.

We live in a time of rapid technological change, at the height of the digital transformation and the early stages of the Industry 4.0 revolution. When guided by an inclusive and sustainable compass, these technological waves have great potential to increase prosperity and protect the planet, bringing about the vital transformations needed to achieve the SDGs and put the world on a sustainable path. They also offer a window of opportunity for developing countries to catch up technologically and narrow global divides. Critical areas for innovation in this new technological revolution are renewable energy technologies and frontier technologies for sustainable production and consumption. The Technology and Innovation Report examines the opportunities and challenges posed by green innovation on the ability of developing countries to catch up, reduce inequalities and contribute to tackling climate change. It argues that green policies are key to create the windows of opportunities. At the same time, firms and governments must be ready to respond and take advantage of these opportunities. This requires sector-specific strategies and the support of the international community to empower developing countries to develop, use, adopt and adapt green technologies for sustainable development.

The report aims to present a measurement framework for collecting and interpreting information on the adoption of new and emerging technologies by business sector firms in developing countries. Such framework is needed due to the existing data limitations and lack of information on the patterns of adoption and use of frontier technologies in productive sectors in developed and developing countries, which may be very uneven and partial even in the most advanced countries. More information is needed in terms of what sectors are adopting frontier technologies, which parts of different value chains, and what kinds of firms are adopting them and how extensively they are diffused in the economy. Information is also need about the firms using frontier technologies in terms of such characteristics as their batch size and the standardization of their products. That information is critical to inform STI policies aiming to promote the use, adoption and adaptation of frontier technologies in developing countries.

In an increasingly digitalized economy and society, the security and accountability of data transactions are critical elements for creating trust and enabling breakthrough innovations in the digital world. In this regard, blockchain technology could be a game-changer, with the potential to revolutionize processes from finance to pharmaceutical industries, from public services to humanitarian work and development aid. The blockchain serves as the base technology for cryptocurrency, enabling open (peer-to-peer), secure and fast transactions. It can be used in many applications that could contribute to sustainable development. This publication explores how blockchain is potentially a key technology in a new technological paradigm of increasing automation and integrating physical and virtual worlds. Similar moments in the past technological revolutions offered windows of opportunity for some developing countries to catch up and others to forge ahead. Therefore, governments of developing countries should seek to strengthen their innovation systems to strategically position themselves to benefit from this new wave of technological change.

As the world’s only truly universal global organization, the United Nations has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. This authoritative reference provides a comprehensive introduction and overview of the work of the UN in key areas of international peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, and humanitarian action.