Science, technology and innovation

We help countries harness science, technology and innovation to make breakthroughs, create jobs and accelerate sustainable development.

Data Center IT Technician Walking Through Server Rack Corridor

AI spreads the work but concentrates the profit

A look inside one advanced AI server reveals who captures the value created in making it.

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Acting Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno (centre left and on screen) addresses UN Digital Cooperation Day 2026 in New York.

UN General Assembly: UNCTAD calls for global action on AI, investment and green industry

Mr Moreno (at podium and on screen) speaks at the Global Trade in Services Summit in Beijing on 9 September.

Strategic choices key to navigating a changing global economy: UNCTAD acting chief

Engineers use artificial intelligence and robotics to optimize production.

Ensuring AI benefits everyone is key to development in the global South

An engineer making circuit boards in a factory.

Today’s investment patterns are shaping tomorrow’s trade map

Skouriotissa, Cyprus, where copper mining dates back nearly 4,000 years.

Investment in strategic sectors is expanding, but many developing economies risk being left behind

A customer uses his smartphone for digital payment at a groceries shop in rural India.

When connectivity isn't enough: Closing the digital divide

High capital requirements, reliance on data and computing power are among the most common barriers to entry in digital markets.

Data is the new natural resource. Who decides how it's used?

Latest publications

Cover for Science, technology and innovation in the age of AI

Science, technology and innovation in the age of AI

Cover for Policy and institutional frameworks for science, technology and innovation parks

Policy and institutional frameworks for science, technology and innovation parks

Cover for Technology foresight and technology assessment for sustainable development

Technology foresight and technology assessment for sustainable development

Cover for Strengthening science, technology and innovation parks as catalysts for fostering entrepreneurship in developing countries

Strengthening science, technology and innovation parks as catalysts for fostering entrepreneurship in developing countries

Cover for Strengthening science, technology and innovation parks for industrial development through clustering

Strengthening science, technology and innovation parks for industrial development through clustering

Cover for Strengthening science, technology and innovation parks in national innovation systems of developing countries

Strengthening science, technology and innovation parks in national innovation systems of developing countries

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Featured series

Cover of Technology and Innovation Report 2025: Inclusive artificial intelligence for development

Technology and Innovation Report (Series)

Cover of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Review: Seychelles

Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Reviews

Videos and podcasts

UNCTAD launches Insights – trusted data and analysis, straight to your inbox

Digital decisions: Sana Khareghani on shaping our technology future for the benefit of all

The future of AI: Why innovation and regulation must go hand-in-hand

Vital knowledge: Why science and technology are so important for our future

The rise of the machines: What does AI mean for our jobs, privacy and humanity?

Related

United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development
A subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for which UNCTAD provides secretariat service and substantive support.

Areas of work

Projects

Special iniatives

STIxNET Network of Experts
Gender Advisory Board
UNCTAD and the Technology Facilitation Mechanism
UN capacity-building programme on technology facilitation for SDGs
UN Interagency Task Team Workstream 6 on Capacity Building in Science, Technology and Innovation for SDGs

Frontier technologies

UN capacity-building programme on technology facilitation for SDGs
The index comprises five building blocks: ICT deployment, skills, R&D activity, industry activity and access to finance.

Secretary-General Statements

7 April 2025

Commission on Science and Technology for Development, 28th session

More statements

Meetings

STI Policy and Practice: e-Learning course

15 December 2026 – 15 April 2027

STI Policy and Practice: e-Learning course

4 – 5 November 2026

8th meeting of the UN CSTD multi-stakeholder working group on data governance at all levels

Online and Geneva, Switzerland

27 October – 2 November 2026

Simulation webinars on science, technology and innovation parks policies and practices, autumn 2026

Online

8 – 9 September 2026

7th meeting of the UN CSTD multi-stakeholder working group on data governance at all levels

Online and Geneva, Switzerland

1 – 30 September 2026

Science, technology and innovation parks: Policies and practices e-learning course, autumn session

Online

All meetings and events

Documents

Resolution 2026/14. Science, technology and innovation for development

Resolution 2026/13: Assessment of the progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society

Contact

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