Featured & Flagship STI Publications
Our publications showcase the United Nations Technology Bank鈥檚 work in advancing science, technology and innovation (STI) in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). They provide insights, analyses and data-driven evidence on how STI contributes to sustainable development, capacity building and structural transformation. Explore reports, policy briefs and studies highlighting progress, challenges and opportunities across LDCs.
The State of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Least Developed Countries (Sep 2022)
The State of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Least Developed Countries (STI LDC) Report provides a thorough examination of the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for strengthening science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystems across the 46 least developed countries (LDCs). Prepared under the guidance of Federica Irene Falomi at the United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries and developed by Technopolis Group, the report underscores the critical role of STI in driving sustainable development, economic diversification, and structural transformation in these countries.
The report highlights areas where LDCs can leverage STI, including human capital development, information and communication technologies (ICT), and access to knowledge. It emphasizes the need for tailored strategies, enhanced partnerships, and international cooperation to accelerate innovation-led growth, improve competitiveness, and foster inclusive development. Aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Istanbul Programme of Action, and UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/71/251, the report calls for coordinated efforts to strengthen national STI capacities, support evidence-based policymaking, and ensure that LDCs can fully harness the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation.
Propelling LDCs in the Digital Age: A 4IR Perspective for Sustainable Development (UNIDO-UNTB-EIF; Dec 2021)
Prepared by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in cooperation with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries, this Background Paper examines how Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies can enable the world鈥檚 least developed countries (LDCs) to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth. It highlights persistent challenges鈥攕uch as inequality, weak infrastructure, and limited digital capacity鈥攁nd explores how innovations like artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things can help LDCs leapfrog traditional development pathways.
The publication provides practical recommendations for policymakers and development partners on integrating 4IR technologies into national development strategies to advance digital transformation, decarbonization, and structural economic transformation. Developed under the guidance of Mr. Bernardo Calzadilla-Sarmiento, it serves as a key input to UNIDO鈥檚 9th Ministerial Conference of the LDCs, fostering dialogue on how technology and innovation can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Cultivating Small and Medium-Sized Firms: Entrepreneurship Development, Gender, and Technology in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia
Prepared by Small Globe Inc. with support from the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), this report explores how Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Senegal are advancing policies in three interconnected areas: small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development, digitalisation, and women鈥檚 economic empowerment. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 67 entrepreneurs and experts, as well as document analysis, the study provides comparative insights into how these countries are building entrepreneurship ecosystems to drive inclusive and technology-enabled growth.
The report highlights both progress and persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate skills, and fragmented policy coordination. It calls for creative approaches to strengthen SME development through innovation, digital transformation, and gender inclusion. The findings offer practical lessons for other least developed countries (LDCs) and propose next steps such as establishing international research and capacity-building programmes, developing innovative financing models, and fostering global networks to promote the internationalisation of SMEs.
Unlocking The Full Potential Of Agricultural Transformation In LDCs: The Role Of Traditional And Emerging Technologies
Prepared by Federica Irene Falomi and G眉ne艧 Aykut Erg眉ler from the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries, this brief explores how traditional and emerging technologies can drive agricultural transformation in LDCs and support progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2): ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The report highlights persistent challenges, including poverty, climate change, limited infrastructure, and food loss, which continue to undermine agricultural productivity and exacerbate food insecurity in these countries.
The publication emphasizes the importance of Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) and evidence-informed strategies to identify relevant solutions, strengthen capacity, and guide strategic investments in the agricultural sector. By adopting tailored technological solutions across the supply chain鈥攆rom production to post-harvest handling, storage, and processing鈥擫DCs can increase productivity, reduce food loss, boost farmers鈥� income, and enhance economic growth, helping to meet the growing food demands of their rapidly expanding populations by 2050.
2024 in Focus - UN Technology Bank's Annual Report
The United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries is the only UN entity dedicated exclusively to leveraging science, technology, and innovation (STI) to support sustainable development and transformation in the world鈥檚 44 poorest countries. Established in 2018 as the first UN Sustainable Development Goal target (17.8) to be realized, the Technology Bank addresses the urgent need to close the technological gap between LDCs and the rest of the world.
Based in Gebze, T眉rkiye, the Technology Bank works with national, regional, and global partners to enhance technological capacity, foster economic growth, and improve livelihoods. By assessing key national sectors, facilitating partnerships, and guiding countries in adopting tailored STI solutions, the Bank plays a critical role in enabling LDCs to harness innovation for sustainable development. The 2024 Annual Report highlights achievements, partnerships, and initiatives that advance technology-driven progress where it is most needed.
Strengthening Medical Technology Innovation Ecosystems to Address Non-communicable Diseases in Least Developed Countries
Prepared by WIPO, the United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs, and Medtronic, this 2025 study examines the advanced medical devices (MedTech) sector in least developed countries (LDCs). It explores the intellectual property, regulatory, and innovation ecosystems needed to support MedTech development and improve access, particularly for managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses, which are highly prevalent in LDCs yet often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to limited technology and infrastructure.
The report highlights enablers and barriers to MedTech innovation, drawing lessons from Bangladesh and Rwanda to illustrate real-world challenges and successes. It provides actionable insights on how public and private sector collaboration, financing, policy frameworks, and innovation culture can strengthen MedTech capacity, enhance access to critical medical devices, and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes for populations in LDCs.