ESCAP’s Innovative Financing for Development in Asia and the Pacific report features a diverse selection of case studies illustrating the development of innovative finance in the region. The report, produced in collaboration with STEPI, shines light on different mechanisms supported by governments across the region in the areas of impact investment and public finance for innovation.

Despite consensus on the transformative potential of science, technology and innovation (STI), there remains a lack of clarity on how Least Developed Countries (LDCs) can effectively implement it for inclusive and sustainable development. This publication highlights four key innovation policy options which have the potential to enable LDCs to reap the benefits of innovation in a cost-effective manner. First, LDCs must mobilize all available talent towards sustainable development if the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda are to be met. Second, the rule of law and STI are inextricably linked.

Business as usual is not an option if the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are to be met. The scale and depth of the goals require a radically different and disruptive approach—the essence of innovation—along with significant scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. Science, technology and innovation (STI) have the potential to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of our efforts to meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda and create benefits for society, the economy and the environment.