However, global manufacturing – an engine of economic growth – is on the decline largely due to tariffs and political tensions, as well as high inflation, disruptions in the supply chain, and economic deceleration. To inspire investments in infrastructure and advanced technologies, the United Nations introduced Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industries, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
By supporting, promoting and advocating for innovation and legacy-building within international business events, BestCities Global Alliance is contributing to SDG 9 while facilitating long-lasting impacts in major industries.
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Industry advancement through business events
Sustained growth in destinations around the world, particularly least developed countries, requires industrialization that makes opportunities accessible to everyone, and is supported by innovation and resilient infrastructure. If it’s done responsibly, industry growth can dramatically improve the standard of living – and, if industries approach advancements with sustainability top-of-mind, we can also make an impact on climate change.
Business events are well placed to inspire advancements and transform industries. Whether healthcare, agriculture, energy, or other industries, business events bring together peers from around the world to facilitate creative collaborations, enhance access to global markets, and share new technologies with all corners of the world.
Advancing Industry in BestCities’ Partner Destinations
Several of BestCities Global Alliance’s partner destinations have hosted impactful meetings driving industry growth and economic development with opportunities for collaboration, investment, and market access.
One example is the 2023 SaaStock conference hosted in Dublin. Attracting over 4,500 attendees, the SaaS (software as a service) event generated €6.6 million in economic impact while advancing Ireland’s technology sector and facilitating collaborations among global decision-makers and investors.
Driving technological innovation in BestCities’ partner destinations
Business events contribute directly to local economies while helping to advance technology and knowledge sharing.
In Singapore, the Smart Nation initiative was introduced to build a better future for residents, enabled by technology. Thanks in part to services and supports offered by Smart Nation, 99 percent of Singapore’s households are connected to the internet, and 95 percent of small and medium enterprises have adopted at least one digital technology from the categories of cybersecurity, cloud, e-payment, e-commerce, data analytics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain and immersive media. Singapore is now 1st in the 2024 World Digital Competitiveness ranking, partly as a result of the Smart Nation Initiative.
Berlin has made significant investments in digital infrastructure, evolving into a global hub for technology startups. The city’s technological progress is supported by Berlin Partner, which supports local companies and scientific institutions with expansion and connections. The organisation also provides assistance to international companies seeking funding opportunities, suitable locations and talent within Berlin.
Like its partner destination, BestCities supports innovation through business events in many ways, including a focus on artificial intelligence.
The BestCities Community Café, for example, recently hosted a session called “AI in Business Operations”, which explored AI’s potential to optimize business processes and elevate event management. The session emphasized the transformative capabilities of AI and ways to make publicly available tools more effective and user-friendly, so businesses of all sizes can leverage their benefits to innovate and increase revenues.
Similarly, at the 2024 Global Forum in Melbourne, BestCities hosted a series of AI-focused sessions discussing the ways AI can transform business events and operations for the better.
Transforming infrastructure in BestCities’ partner destinations
Physical infrastructure developments are a key element of Goal 9, enhancing urban living, sustainability and connectivity.
One of the most sustainable cities in the world, Copenhagen is a pioneer of eco-friendly infrastructure, including sustainable venues and green transportation – for example, there are over 546 kilometres of bike paths within the city. The city introduced the Copenhagen Lessons during the 2023 International Union of Architects World Congress, which emphasized the ways architecture contributes to the UN SDGs, including sustainable communities and quality of life. The Copenhagen Lessons encompasses 10 principles for rapid and radical change in the built environment, challenging industry to put people and the environment first.
In Melbourne, the 2016 World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems marked a milestone in the city’s history with a dramatic overhaul to local infrastructure. The event successfully catalyzed industry growth, spurred government investments in ITS, and significantly raised the profile of the ITS industry both locally and internationally. It also facilitated networking that led to policy changes, new collaborations, and a stronger emphasis on inclusivity within the sector. And, it introduced initiatives like the NextGens Programme, which focused on nurturing future talent and ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability.
Click here to read the full Impact Case Study on the ITS Congress.
Next steps toward more resilient, sustainable communities
BestCities Global Alliance and its partner destinations are committed to advancing the UN’s SDG 9 through business events that advance major industries, support technological advancements, and inspire sustainable infrastructure.
Associations and event organisers can incorporate similar goals into their future business events to help advance SDG 9 and ultimately contribute to economic growth, social development, and climate action.
Related Posts:
Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Championing Gender Equality through Business Events: BestCities’ Approach to UN SDG Goal 5