LEARN ABOUT
GOAL 9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE - In this lesson students will discuss the concepts of innovation and the importance of supporting industries and infrastructures in a sustainable and inclusive path.
YOU WILL NEED
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Prior Learning
Knowledge and understanding of:
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The Convention on the Rights of the Child
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The Sustainable Development Goals
Vocabulary:
Innovation-changing processes or creating more effective processes, products and ideas.
Industrialisation-the development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale.
Infrastructure-the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Circular Economy-an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.
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Discuss industry and the negatives and positives of growing industries moving towards the future.
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Learn skills in innovation and thinking of business, technology, industry, societies, in a different, more progressive way.
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Address the necessary infrastructures of the world today and what the potential of these structures to be more inclusive and sustainable.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
SPHE
CSPE
Maths
BACKGROUND RESOURCES
CONTEXT
Many developing countries lack in basic infrastructure such as roads and electricity.Over 2.6 billion people have little to no access to electricity, making it difficult for them to develop with the rest of the world. Infrastructure creates a knock on affect with various sectors, as building such roads and buildings with employ thousands of people which will then create even more jobs for the people working in the other sectors.
Targets
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Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
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Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets.
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Promote the inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry's share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its shares in least developed countries.
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By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial practices, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
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Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for industrial diversification and value addition to commodities.
UNICEF | Imagination
Refugee Camp Technology
Infrastructure Initiative
ACTIVITY
Split the class into groups of 3-4 people. Ask the groups to come up with an innovative business, event, product or programme to counteract a prevalent issue in their community. Come up with a mission statement and an “elevator pitch” and present to the rest of the class.
Discussion:
After each presentation have the class give feedback. This can include what the class liked most about the ideas, where there can be problems or improvements, and any additional ideas the students may have. Brainstorming with your peers will improve the plans and bring new perspectives to the ideas.
Students can vote on which idea is the best.
Discussion:
Ask the students the following questions to create further dialogue surrounding the process of the activity above. Understanding how the process of creating a business plan to present to a large group.
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What were the challenges of cultivating a plan or project?
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What obsticles could stop you from seeing your plans to fruition?
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How did presenting in front of you peers feel? What if you had to present in front of actual investors?
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Did you find it difficult to think of a new idea?
For more context and discussion use the videos below.
Cormac Russell -TEDx
Sustainable community development: from what's wrong to what's strong
Guy Kawasaki- TEDx
Guy Kawasaki at TEDxBerkeley 2014: "Rethink. Redefine. Recreate." His talk is titled "The Art of Innovation."
TAKE ACTION
Young generations need to be innovated in what is broken in current infrastructure and industry. To counteract against the negatives of industrialisation, young people can express their concerns and worries for the future. Young people have a voice and can be heard by their government and communities.
Through the activity above, you can put your ideas into practice! Put together an action plan (available here) and make your community hear you.
For other tips on getting your voice heard, click here.

Caitlin Banke is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Menlo College and will be concluding her Masters Degree from Trinity College Dublin in International Peace Studies in November 2018. Caitlin has focused her studies and work around women and children's issues.