Sustainable Innovation: An Essential Paradigm in the Sustainable Development Goals Framework

Abstract

Nowadays, fast and unpredictable changes are common in most countries. Organizations are trying to survive in an environment that shows obvious signs of wear and tear. At the same time, sustainability has been arousing an obvious interest for years, in both the business and academy fields. The global perspective of the sustainable phenomenon as well as the objectives and goals to be achieved have turned into the Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the horizon set in 2030. This chapter is part of SDG 9, which proposes innovation as a means to contribute to sustainability and create wealth in nations; thus, sustainable innovation constitutes a basic and growing paradigm, which makes it possible to achieve SDG 9. Furthermore, the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on companies and their way of innovation managing is exposed. Finally, guidelines are proposed so that organizations can be more responsible and sustainable.