This review synthesizes diverse approaches that researchers have brought to bear on the challenge of sustainable development. We construct an integrated framework highlighting the union set of elements and relationships that those approaches have shown to be useful in explaining nature–society interactions in multiple contexts. Compelling evidence has accumulated that those interactions should be viewed as a globally interconnected, complex adaptive system in which heterogeneity, nonlinearity, and innovation play formative roles. The long-term evolution of that system cannot be predicted but can be understood and partially guided through dynamic interventions. Research has identified six capacities necessary to support such interventions in guiding development pathways toward sustainability. These are capacities to ( a) measure sustainable development, ( b) promote equity, ( c) adapt to shocks and surprises, ( d ) transform the system into more sustainable development pathways, ( e) link knowledge with action, and (  f ) devise governance arrangements that allow people to work together in exercising the other capacities. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Environment and Resources, Volume 45 is October 19, 2020. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

This paper presents insights and action proposals to better harness technological innovation for sustainable development. We begin with three key insights from scholarship and practice. First, technological innovation processes do not follow a set sequence but rather emerge from complex adaptive systems involving many actors and institutions operating simultaneously from local to global scales. Barriers arise at all stages of innovation, from the invention of a technology through its selection, production, adaptation, adoption, and retirement. Second, learning from past efforts to mobilize innovation for sustainable development can be greatly improved through structured cross-sectoral comparisons that recognize the socio-technical nature of innovation systems. Third, current institutions (rules, norms, and incentives) shaping technological innovation are often not aligned toward the goals of sustainable development because impoverished, marginalized, and unborn populations too often lack the economic and political power to shape innovation systems to meet their needs. However, these institutions can be reformed, and many actors have the power to do so through research, advocacy, training, convening, policymaking, and financing. We conclude with three practiceoriented recommendations to further realize the potential of innovation for sustainable development: (i) channels for regularized learning across domains of practice should be established; (ii) measures that systematically take into account the interests of underserved populations throughout the innovation process should be developed; and (iii) institutions should be reformed to reorient innovation systems toward sustainable development and ensure that all innovation stages and scales are considered at the outset. sustainable development | innovation systems | technology | knowledge systems | complex adaptive systems This paper sets forth our perspective on how technological innovation can better advance the goals of sustainable development. We seek to help bridge the gap between scholarship and practice by drawing from conceptual research, empirical cases, and realworld experience to highlight practical guidelines for use by practicing scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and policy advocates.Sustainable development was defined a generation ago through a series of United Nations-led commissions and summits as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (1). Subsequent work by scholars and international development organizations has broadened the original framing to define development as sustainable when "inclusive wellbeing"-the aggregate quality of life for all people, everywhere, now and in the future-does not decline with time (2-5). More recently, in September 2015, virtually all member countries of the United Nations committed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that provide specific targets and timetables for enhancing inclusive well-being.Technological innova...

This paper presents insights and action proposals to better harness technological innovation for sustainable development. We begin with three key insights from scholarship and practice. First, technological innovation processes do not follow a set sequence but rather emerge from complex adaptive systems involving many actors and institutions operating simultaneously from local to global scales. Barriers arise at all stages of innovation, from the invention of a technology through its selection, production, adaptation, adoption, and retirement. Second, learning from past efforts to mobilize innovation for sustainable development can be greatly improved through structured cross-sectoral comparisons that recognize the socio-technical nature of innovation systems. Third, current institutions (rules, norms, and incentives) shaping technological innovation are often not aligned toward the goals of sustainable development because impoverished, marginalized, and unborn populations too often lack the economic and political power to shape innovation systems to meet their needs. However, these institutions can be reformed, and many actors have the power to do so through research, advocacy, training, convening, policymaking, and financing. We conclude with three practiceoriented recommendations to further realize the potential of innovation for sustainable development: (i) channels for regularized learning across domains of practice should be established; (ii) measures that systematically take into account the interests of underserved populations throughout the innovation process should be developed; and (iii) institutions should be reformed to reorient innovation systems toward sustainable development and ensure that all innovation stages and scales are considered at the outset. sustainable development | innovation systems | technology | knowledge systems | complex adaptive systems This paper sets forth our perspective on how technological innovation can better advance the goals of sustainable development. We seek to help bridge the gap between scholarship and practice by drawing from conceptual research, empirical cases, and realworld experience to highlight practical guidelines for use by practicing scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and policy advocates.Sustainable development was defined a generation ago through a series of United Nations-led commissions and summits as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (1). Subsequent work by scholars and international development organizations has broadened the original framing to define development as sustainable when "inclusive wellbeing"-the aggregate quality of life for all people, everywhere, now and in the future-does not decline with time (2-5). More recently, in September 2015, virtually all member countries of the United Nations committed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that provide specific targets and timetables for enhancing inclusive well-being.Technological innova...

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