The role of STPs and AOIs in meeting sustainable development challenges faced by cities in developing countries

Cities and pre-urban areas in developing countries face a diverse range of challenges. Rapid urbanization, poverty, inequality, unequal access to, and inefficient use of, public services, as well as financial fragility and the harm inflicted by natural hazards, etc. are some of them. These challenges threaten the ability of cities to become viable pillars of sustainable development. At the same time, cities have science, technology and innovation (STPs & AOIs) at their disposal to become more sustainable. This paper provides an overview of how science, technology and innovation (STI) can address these key challenges. It proposes sustainable practices that make use of science, technology and innovation in order to produce wider economic, social and environmental benefits for cities. It explains how cities that prioritize sustainable growth patterns can improve employment and competitiveness, enhance social cohesion and create a healthy and livable urban environment.