Innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals
Innovators have a critical role to play in achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. They help to adapt and more broadly distribute existing products. They mobilize capital and investments for scaling proven solutions – and to develop entirely new ones. They apply and share their technology and know-how every day with partners globally. Companies in particular have the resources and scale to deliver broad global impact. Innovative partnerships involving the private sector are giving rise to creative ways of tackling global challenges in cost-effective, sustainable ways. Our members contribute to the SDGs through both their everyday activities and targeted initiatives. Through Innovation Council, they share information about what has worked, what worked less well, and their successes. They support diverse stakeholders in overcoming the remaining challenges to meet the SDG targets.
WTO report on COVID-19
The WTO Secretariat published this new information note warning of possible increases to trade costs due to COVID-19 disruptions. The note examines the pandemic’s impact on key components of trade costs, particularly those relating to travel and transport, trade policy, uncertainty, and identifies areas where higher costs may persist even after the pandemic is contained.
GM’s new electric vehicle in China
This Bloomberg article discusses the introduction of the General Motors Co. Hongguang MINI EV in China, a surprise hit that sells for less than $5,000.
The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator
The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, is a global collaboration to accelerate the development and production of, and access to, COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CEPI, FIND, Gavi, The Global Fund, Unitaid, Wellcome, the WHO, and the World Bank are working together to advance the development and distribution of the tests, treatments, and vaccines the world needs to reduce mortality and severe disease. Innovation Council members and partners contributed to the establishment of this initiative and continue to support its work.
B Lab’s Swiss Triple Impact program
The Swiss Triple Impact program aims to accelerate the contributions of Swiss businesses towards a more sustainable economy by mobilizing 3000 companies in Switzerland within 3 years to take action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Seeding Labs: Access to research tools
Seeding Labs helps equip scientists with the tools, training, and connections they need to be on the cutting edge of global discovery. They channel donations of equipment, time, and talent where they will have the greatest global impact. Their flagship program, Instrumental Access, makes affordable, high-quality laboratory equipment available to universities and research institutes in developing countries. All equipment is donated from donors’ surplus, overstock, or traded-in items. Instrumental Access has a strategic and rigorous process for screening applicants as well as equipment. After the equipment has been reallocated, Seeding Labs follows up on the equipment installation and use to solve unexpected issues and track the impact of the equipment.