Mapping Development Pathways between Science Research & Innovation (SRI) and SDGs

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Science, Research and Innovation (SRI) play a crucial role in providing new knowledge, artefacts and evidence-based strategies on how to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, due to the diversity of goals (17), constituting targets (169), indicators (232), and the strong inter-relationships between the SDGs, the potential contribution of SRI towards attaining the SDGs is complex and elusive. As synergies, trade-offs and misalignments emerge between different SRI areas and technologies, and between SDGs, there is no consensus on how science, policy and society should interact with each other, to most effectively achieve the SDGs and constituting targets. In order to fully appreciate the contribution of SRI to SDGs, we need an integrative framework that is capable of mapping and studying the synergies, trade-offs and misalignments across SRI areas and between SRIs and SDGs. The integrative framework should also highlight opportunities to exploit all synergies, while negotiating all trade-offs and misalignments constructively.Our report aims to develop such an integrative framework, which is conceptually-grounded, empirically-based, and globally-produced. Our analysis aims to empower concrete policy action, for governing and (re)orienting SRI for meeting the SDGs, while accounting for national differences and transdisciplinarity. We will develop a systematic data-driven analysis of: a) The most relevant SRI areas, and the interactions between them, for addressing each SDG; b) The synergies, trade-offs and misalignments between the different SDGs and relevant SRI areas; c) The actors in the SRI system globally, while zooming in to the national and local levels, and emerging developments that are most critical for attaining the SDGs; d) The most viable and sustainable SRI pathways for the future, in order to achieve the different SDGs and exploit synergies between them; and e) Concrete policy implications and guidelines, for exploiting and influencing SRI developments and their use, to address all SDGs comprehensively.To achieve aims (a)-(e), we will build on four complementary levels of analysis - System Mapping, Sub-System Interactions, Micro-Case Studies, and in-Depth Consultations and Engagement, using quantitative and qualiative methods to build the report through five complementary work packages: 1) Identification of relevant SRI areas and technologies by engaging with international experts (methods: focus group/workshop); 2) Mapping of SRIs for each SDG, actors involved, and their relations to develop a taxonomy to map the potential importance of different SRI for SDGs (methods: topic modelling, scienotmetrics and case studies); 3) Analysis of emerging and future SRI developments along multiple pathways, for achieving the SDGs (methods: literature review, focus group/workshop, scientoemtrics and real-time Delphi survey); 4) Policies, tools and implementation with diverse stakeholders to produce detailed evidence on how SRI can be made more central to decision-making for SDGs (methods: case studies, and interactive visualisations, and games); and5) Continuous consultation and engagement with relevant researchers and experts to interpret results, identify challenges, discuss investment directions and improve impact mechanisms (methods: consultation meetings, workshops and discussions with stakeholders).The report's impact on policy and practice will be facilitated through continuous engagement with engaged communites of practice, who will be mapped through a participatory forum involving our high-profile advisory committee and existing networks in which the UK and UNDP teams are involved.