#Digital-Infrastructure&AI

Sustainability challenge and related SDGs

Modern life runs on digital infrastructure. From clean energy and smart transport to healthcare, finance, and communication – our daily routines and essential systems are increasingly reliant on secure, fast, and intelligent data networks. SDG 9 “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” recognizes that sustainable development depends on building resilient infrastructure, fostering inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promoting innovation.

Yet, many economies are still constrained by outdated or underbuilt digital systems. Without robust digital infrastructure, innovation stalls, efficiency gains go unrealized, and the transition to low-carbon, high-impact solutions is delayed. While digital inclusion remains a factor, the primary challenge is ensuring that economies can build and scale the infrastructure required to power next-generation innovation – sustainably, efficiently, and equitably.

Possible solutions and their contribution to achieving the SDGs

Digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) represent essential components of modern industrial systems and are increasingly recognized as key enablers of sustainable development. High-capacity networks, cloud computing, and data infrastructure support efficient service delivery, enable remote operations, and underpin the digitalization of critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, mobility, and manufacturing. AI systems enhance these capabilities through data-driven optimization, predictive analytics, and automation.

However, the deployment of AI also introduces complex ethical, social, and environmental considerations. Concerns regarding high energy consumption, algorithmic bias, systemic inequalities, surveillance, and the potential misuse of generative technologies have raised critical debates. While the societal impact of AI remains uncertain, attempts to halt its development are neither feasible nor effective. Instead, the sustainable integration of AI requires proactive governance, transparent standards, and alignment with broader societal goals.

When embedded within responsible frameworks and guided by evidence-based principles, digital infrastructure & AI can contribute meaningfully to SDG 9 by fostering resilient infrastructure, inclusive industrialization, and sustainable innovation.

Primarily related SDG targets: 9.1, 9.4, 9.5, 9.c

Investment Rationale and Growth Potential

Digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) are pivotal to the evolution of global economic systems. The global cloud computing market is projected to reach approximately USD 2.39 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4% from 2025 to 2030 . Simultaneously, AI is expected to contribute up to USD 19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030, accounting for 3.5% of global GDP.

These projections are underpinned by structural trends such as digitalization, automation, and the increasing demand for intelligent, low-emission systems. Investments in digital infrastructure and AI not only offer substantial economic returns but also align with policy objectives aimed at fostering industrial resilience and sustainability. Engaging in this sector provides exposure to technologies that are integral to modern infrastructure and are instrumental in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 9, which emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure and technological innovation.

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