July 2019: The South African SDG Hub at the University of Pretoria has released a policy brief that explores the relationship between science, technology and innovation (STI) and the SDGs. Titled, ‘Cloud Computing and the Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa: An Opportunity to Accelerate Progress,’ the brief focuses on the potentially transformative impact of cloud computing.

Authored by Willem Fourie, the brief argues that cloud computing has the potential to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs by enabling cost-effective access to cutting-edge technologies. Such technologies can improve the efficiency of existing systems, Fourie maintains. They also contribute to an “enabling environment for game-changing innovation.”

The brief suggests that cloud computing’s potential to accelerate the attainment of the SDGs could be unlocked by putting a number of policies, safeguards, infrastructure and skills in place. The policies are to integrate science, technology and innovation throughout the development planning process, and to enable the free flow of data. The safeguards are to ensure the privacy and security of all data. The enabling infrastructure is to ensure affordable access to the internet and electricity. The recommendation with regard to skills is to develop cloud computing skills.

The brief also reviews ways in which cloud computing is already accelerating progress towards attaining the SDGs across Africa. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) delivered through the cloud assists farmers in making more informed crop decisions by predicting crop yields. [Briefing Note]