The Role of Technological Innovation in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Applied Study on Selected Technological Projects from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan

Abstract

In recent decades, technological innovation has emerged as a transformative force in addressing global economic, environmental, and social challenges. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the need for innovation to ensure inclusive and sustainable progress. Despite global technological advancements, many developing countries in the Arab world face structural, financial, and institutional obstacles that hinder the effective use of innovation to achieve the SDGs. This study focuses on applied examples from five Arab countries to assess the real-world impact of technology-driven development projects. Existing literature lacks comprehensive comparative analysis of how specific technological innovations influence multiple SDG dimensions economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being especially within the context of Arab countries. This research aims to analyze the role of technological innovation in accelerating SDG achievement through case studies of pioneering projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan, using quantifiable indicators such as renewable energy output, job creation, emission reduction, and quality of life improvements. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between technological innovation and progress toward the SDGs. Projects such as Masdar City and NEOM significantly improved energy sustainability, economic returns, employment, and environmental health. The results also highlight disparities in implementation due to varying national policies and resource capacities. This study uniquely combines theoretical frameworks with empirical data to quantify the impact of innovation on sustainability in Arab countries, offering a replicable evaluation model. The research provides actionable insights for policymakers to develop innovation-centric strategies that support sustainable development, especially in resource-constrained settings.