• International Journal of Technology (IJTech)
  • Vol 10, No 4 (2019)

The Role of Industry 4.0 in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

The Role of Industry 4.0 in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Title: The Role of Industry 4.0 in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Mohammed Ali Berawi

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Cite this article as:
Berawi, M.A., 2019. The Role of Industry 4.0 in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals. International Journal of Technology. Volume 10(4), pp. 644-647

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Mohammed Ali Berawi Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus UI Depok, Depok 16424, Indonesia
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Abstract
The Role of Industry 4.0  in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

This note is presented as part of the continuous discussion on how science and technology contribute to improving quality of life and sustaining our planet.

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are established to end poverty, improve health and education, and promote prosperity and well-being through environmental sustainability. The 2030 Agenda philosophy of “no one left behind” requires global partnerships and participation in the integration of environmental, social, economic, and governance dimensions in the process of development. The concept of sustainable development is conceived as a balance of sustainable economic growth and ecological regeneration. Sustainable development requires the implementation of appropriate environmentally friendly technologies that are both efficient and adaptable to local conditions. In this situation, eco-technology can facilitate the conservation and restoration of the environment through the integration of engineering and ecological principles.  

The development of science and technology  plays a significant role in achieving SDG targets by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of new and more sustainable development methods. Investments in green technology, efficient and effective processes, safer materials, and improved performance and outcomes are some of the results of such development. These actions show how technological applications and developments have been utilized to comply with the principles of social, economic, and ecologic welfare.

Developing technology, creating innovation, and producing breakthrough solutions are critical for delivering SDG targets, from eradication of poverty to improving food security to reversing climate change. Investments are a vital instrument to foster appropriate technological development. Strong collaboration in private and public partnerships will accelerate appropriate and sustainable technological development, scale-up, and transfer in order to generate more social benefits and economic returns while reducing environmental impacts.

The development of frugal and high-tech innovation requires the application of better solutions that produce effective products, processes, and services to meet new requirements and needs. Achieving sustainable economic growth will require changes in business processes. Industries need to become energy and resource efficient and minimize waste. Technological developments for utilizing renewable energy resources, building urban water systems and sustainable public infrastructure, increasing food production, and producing environmentally friendly materials and products are among the pathways by which technology will significantly contribute to the achievement of SDG targets.

Through Industry 4.0, technology today plays a significant role in sustainable social, environmental, and economic development. Consideration of the scarcity and constraints of natural resources in new technological development will lead to more robust and better technological processes that produce more attractive products and services.


Information and communication technology (ICT) is driving innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness across all sectors and resources by providing everyone with the potential to access and share information and then utilize it to create new opportunities. It is changing the way businesses are managed. ICT can also be used to assist governments in delivering better public services as well as creating smart and resilient cities. ICT has improved the way we work and live as well as our outlook on the development of urban areas. The fourth industrial revolution has made it possible for us to transform production, management, and governance into more effective and efficient systems in connected societies.

The well-being of our future is dependent on our production of technology to govern our climate, health, social equity, and stability. Industry 4.0 can be used to mitigate problems and provide solutions for enhancing our way of life through sustainable products and services. The creativity and innovation of technological development contributes to improving the global environment by producing green, resource-secure, and inclusive economies for all. Furthermore, technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, machine learning, 3D printing, etc. can be used to create, expand, and monitor the effectiveness of sustainable development and environmental compliance across the globe. Industry 4.0 can be efficiently used to control and improve resources, energy, water, and waste by connecting and automatically exchanging information via intra- and inter-systems. As technology changes the way we live, it will continue to have a profound impact on the way we regenerate and protect our environment through sustainability.

Challenges to future civilization—including population pressure, climate change, energy security, environmental degradation, water and food availability, and sustainable development—need to be wisely addressed. We are all given the opportunity to collaborate and work together to reduce inequality, end poverty, protect the environment, and improve our society’s quality of life and well-being. Sustainable development requires institutional and value changes as well as cultural adjustments. Sustainable development must be incorporated into mainstream policies to promote national and international cooperation.