Sustainable Development Goal 9 focuses on developing robust infrastructure, advancing inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promoting innovation. It emphasizes that a strong infrastructure foundation is essential for economic progress, technological growth, and community well-being. By focusing on sustainable practices, SDG 9 encourages industries to adopt environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable production methods. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of research and development as key drivers of innovation, enabling countries to enhance their industrial capacity and adapt to changing economic landscapes. Achieving SDG 9 not only contributes to economic resilience but also supports other SDGs by promoting sustainable urbanization, reducing inequalities, and mitigating climate change impacts. SDG 9 plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future that serves the needs of both people and the planet. This study explores the integration of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) focused on industry, innovation, and infrastructure into the business models of tech startups in India. As these startups play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation, aligning their strategies with SDG 9 is essential for promoting sustainable practices and long-term viability. The study employs both primary and secondary data methodologies, analysing existing literature, case studies, industry reports, and data collected from tech startup stakeholders through structured questionnaires. This mixed method approach aims to identify the current state of SDG 9 integration, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by tech startups. Key findings indicate that while there are significant opportunities for competitive advantage through sustainability, startups encounter barriers, such as resource limitations and a lack of awareness. The study concludes by offering actionable recommendations for startups to effectively incorporate SDG 9 principles into their operations, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive future.

SDG9, innovation, Tech Startups, sustainable practices, business models

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1. Surana K, Singh A, Sagar AD. Strengthening science, technology, and innovation-based incubators to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals: Lessons from India. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. 2020;157:120057.
2. Awan U. Steering for sustainable development goals: a typology of sustainable innovation. In Industry, innovation and infrastructure. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2021. pp. 1026–1036.
3. Turkeli S, Kemp R. System Transitions for Sustainable Development Goal 9. In Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2021. pp. 1147–1158.
4. Mondal S, Singh S, Gupta H. A meta-analysis of green and sustainable business models: A comprehensive approach. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2022;371:133623.
5. Ludeke‐Freund F. Sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation, and business models: Integrative framework and propositions for future research. Business Strategy and the Environment. 2020; 29(2):665–681.
6. Kapur R, Das S, Nandineni RD. Sustainable transportation infrastructure’s role in attaining sustainable development goals. In Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2021. pp. 1135–1147.
7. Di Vaio A, Hassan R, Chhabra M, Arrigo E, Palladino R. Sustainable entrepreneurship impact and entrepreneurial venture life cycle: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2022;378:134469.
8. Mio C, Panfilo S, Blundo B. Sustainable development goals and the strategic role of business: A systematic literature review. Business strategy and the environment. 2020;29(8):3220–3245.
9. Karlusch A, Sachsenhofer W, Reinsberger K. Educating for the development of sustainable business models: Designing and delivering a course to foster creativity. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018;179:169–179.
10. Bhattacharya A, Oppenheim J, Stern N. Driving sustainable development through better infrastructure: Key elements of a transformation program. Brookings Global Working Paper Series; 2015.

Sustainable Development Goal 9 focuses on developing robust infrastructure, advancing inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promoting innovation. It emphasizes that a strong infrastructure foundation is essential for economic progress, technological growth, and community well-being. By focusing on sustainable practices, SDG 9 encourages industries to adopt environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable production methods. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of research and development as key drivers of innovation, enabling countries to enhance their industrial capacity and adapt to changing economic landscapes. Achieving SDG 9 not only contributes to economic resilience but also supports other SDGs by promoting sustainable urbanization, reducing inequalities, and mitigating climate change impacts. SDG 9 plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future that serves the needs of both people and the planet. This study explores the integration of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) focused on industry, innovation, and infrastructure into the business models of tech startups in India. As these startups play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation, aligning their strategies with SDG 9 is essential for promoting sustainable practices and long-term viability. The study employs both primary and secondary data methodologies, analysing existing literature, case studies, industry reports, and data collected from tech startup stakeholders through structured questionnaires. This mixed method approach aims to identify the current state of SDG 9 integration, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by tech startups. Key findings indicate that while there are significant opportunities for competitive advantage through sustainability, startups encounter barriers, such as resource limitations and a lack of awareness. The study concludes by offering actionable recommendations for startups to effectively incorporate SDG 9 principles into their operations, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive future.

SDG9, innovation, Tech Startups, sustainable practices, business models

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Surana K, Singh A, Sagar AD. Strengthening science, technology, and innovation-based incubators to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals: Lessons from India. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. 2020;157:120057.
2. Awan U. Steering for sustainable development goals: a typology of sustainable innovation. In Industry, innovation and infrastructure. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2021. pp. 1026–1036.
3. Turkeli S, Kemp R. System Transitions for Sustainable Development Goal 9. In Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2021. pp. 1147–1158.
4. Mondal S, Singh S, Gupta H. A meta-analysis of green and sustainable business models: A comprehensive approach. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2022;371:133623.
5. Ludeke‐Freund F. Sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation, and business models: Integrative framework and propositions for future research. Business Strategy and the Environment. 2020; 29(2):665–681.
6. Kapur R, Das S, Nandineni RD. Sustainable transportation infrastructure’s role in attaining sustainable development goals. In Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2021. pp. 1135–1147.
7. Di Vaio A, Hassan R, Chhabra M, Arrigo E, Palladino R. Sustainable entrepreneurship impact and entrepreneurial venture life cycle: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2022;378:134469.
8. Mio C, Panfilo S, Blundo B. Sustainable development goals and the strategic role of business: A systematic literature review. Business strategy and the environment. 2020;29(8):3220–3245.
9. Karlusch A, Sachsenhofer W, Reinsberger K. Educating for the development of sustainable business models: Designing and delivering a course to foster creativity. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018;179:169–179.
10. Bhattacharya A, Oppenheim J, Stern N. Driving sustainable development through better infrastructure: Key elements of a transformation program. Brookings Global Working Paper Series; 2015.