33.    Innovative products, processes and policies have historically changed the lives of millions of people for the better (e.g. vaccines, improved varieties of grain and mobile phones, to name just a few). Globalization has created a favourable innovation climate, and corporate strategists have more opportunity than ever to pick and choose from the best practices and resources across the globe and combine them in new and previously unforeseen ways. The next 10 years will see the arrival of an “avalanche of technology innovation”, particularly in the areas of biotechnology and genetics, computer science and energy and resource use and efficiency. Many of these technologies could have highly positive roles in helping to drive sustainable development, for example by enhancing resource productivity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating access to basic services such as water, energy and food. Smart-grid systems and energy-saving technologies, as well as renewable energy systems, are promising examples.

34.    The overall impact of technological and other innovations in the sustainable development agenda will be guided not only by the effect they have on humanity’s ecological footprint, but also by the extent to which poor countries and vulnerable groups benefit from new technologies, and by how well possible risks that new technologies may introduce, both for people and for the environment, are managed.