This working paper argues that achieving the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development requires rethinking traditional innovation policy so that it actively drives systemic transformation rather than merely promoting economic growth.
It proposes linking Agenda 2030 with a transformative innovation policy approach that directs innovation toward societal, environmental and economic change, integrating sustainability transitions and system innovation theory into policymaking.
The authors highlight how current innovation policy often remains focused on market or system failures and economic competitiveness, while Agenda 2030 responsibilities are siloed in foreign affairs or development ministries, creating gaps in how innovation is mobilized for sustainability. By bridging these domains, building “transformation literacy” for policymakers, and using a systems‑oriented mindset, governments can better align innovation strategies with the structural changes needed to implement Agenda 2030, illustrated through analysis of Sweden’s efforts as an example of experimentation with integrated, transformation‑oriented policy design and governance.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the following people for valuable inputs and comments on earlier versions of
this working paper: Jonas Brändström, Rebecka Engström, Shulin Gu, Terttu Luukonen, Göran Marklund,
Mariana Mazzucato, Johan Schot, and Richard P. Suttmeier.
Citation
Lundin, N., and Schwaag Serger, S. (2018) Agenda 2030 and a transformative innovation policy: Conceptualizing and experimenting with transformative changes towards sustainability. TIP Resource Lab. Available at https://tipresourcelab.net/resource/agenda-2030-and-a-transformative-innovation-policy-conceptualizing-and-experimenting-with-transformative-changes-towards-sustainability/
