SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) Progress
In 2025, Al-Quds University still spreads its contributions to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by integrating education, research, partnerships, and innovation in a multi-dimensional approach. Al-Quds University is committed to and promotes the sustained development of industries, the innovation of technology, and the development of Palestine’s infrastructure for the region and the world.
In all of the engineering, science, and technology disciplines, and within the age range of the University, Al-Quds University provides multiple diverse books, as well as graduate and Post-Graduate lectures. Within the disciplines of: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, and Transport Planning, infrastructure and industrial development is of primary focus. Al-Quds provides the foundational education for advanced sustainable development along with the appropriate problem- solving and technological skill development for the future.
Al-Quds University provides and promotes research to all the new industry, innovation, and infrastructure automation and improvement. This includes advanced materials research, new technology and systems for renewable energy, and self-managing digital transportation and built infrastructure. As a result, research findings provide the sustainable planning of infrastructures and industrial development for Palestine with emphasis on the region. Evidence-based research findings which Al-Quds University promotes as a sustainable and planning focus.
Collaboration with Industries and Stakeholders:
In order to bridge the gap between the university and the developmental ecosystem, Al-Quds University works with industry partners, public sector institutions, and foreign stakeholders. Participation in research, student internships, consulting, and partnerships on research and development facilitate technology transfer, enhancement of industry development, and support for public works and structural development.
Innovation and Technology Transfer:
Al-Quds University promotes a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial activity and empowers researchers, students, and start-ups to turn ideas into commercially viable technologies and businesses. Innovation centers, technology and business incubators, and accelerators afford the entrepreneurial community mentorship, financial support, and tailored facilities for the development and commercialization of viable technologies. These efforts have raised the level of employment in the country and contributed to the development of a knowledge-based economy.
Skills Development and Lifelong Learning:
Al-Quds University recognizes the need for and provides training, workshops, and courses in the areas of professional engineering, industrial technologies, and innovation management. These activities promote lifelong learning and provide students and working professionals with the necessary skills needed to support modern sustainable industries and infrastructure.
Aspects Related to Advocacy and Policy Development:
Al-Quds University proactively engages in advocacy and policy dialogue and contributes to research and advocacy on national and regional policies on inclusive industrialization, innovation-led growth, and resilient infrastructure. University experts work with stakeholders to build policies that promote research, technology, and sustainable industrial investment. Strategic partnerships are developed to yield positive impacts.
Aspects Related to Community Engagement and Social Responsibility:
As part of its mission of social responsibility, Al-Quds University actively works on community-focused initiatives which are geared towards innovation, development of infrastructure, and promoting entrepreneurial initiatives. In collaboration with local businesses, NGOs, and community-based organizations, the University contributes to the alleviation of region-specific issues, enhanced economic development and improved provision of critical resources and services.
Al-Quds University, through diverse and manifold initiatives, strengthens its national leadership position in innovation, industrialization, and infrastructure development. The University makes a positive impact on the achievement of SDG 9, and contributes to the sustainable development of the social and economic spheres of Palestine.
Goal 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, enhance research and upgrade industrial technologies, support domestic technology development and industrial diversification, significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
To enable economic and human development, quality, reliable, and, most importantly, affordable and equitable access infrastructures (regional and transborder) must be developed and human well-being supported. In addition, a substantial increase in the share of employment and gross domestic product generated by the industry, in light of national circumstances, especially in least developed countries, is required.
Al-Quds University is driven by the principles of inclusive and sustainable industrialization, innovation, and the construction of resilient infrastructure, and the focus is placed on their value in achieving economic sustainability, the desired social equality, and, overall, sustainable development. The University contributes to SDG 9 in the following ways:
Teaching Engineering, Science, and Technology: Al-Quds offers a considerable number of undergraduate and graduate programs in the engineering, science, and technology fields, where students learn and acquire the skills needed to develop sustainable industries and infrastructures. The civil engineering, materials science, telecommunications, and transportation systems programs, as well as programs of other disciplines, prepare students to work in a considerable number of sectors.
Research Focused on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The university undertakes research on the pioneering and strategic issues facing industries, innovations, and infrastructures, encompassing advanced materials, manufacturing technologies, telecommunication systems, and transport planning. This research contributes to the creation and development of effective and sustainable industries and infrastructures, and aids the formulation of strategic, evidence-based policies.
Industry and Stakeholder Collaboration: In industrial, innovation, and infrastructure contexts, the university collaborates closely with industry, the public and the private sector, and civil society organizations. Al-Quds University participates in the interface of applied research in the collaboration, promoting innovation and the development of effective and sustainable industries and infrastructures. To achieve this, joint research, internships, and collaborative dissemination of knowledge provide the pivotal and catalytic role in the academia-industry interface.
Innovation and Technology Transfer: The university contributes to the industrialization and infrastructure initiatives through the provision of innovative advanced technologies, products, and processes aimed at sustainable development. This is done through the creation of research groups, civil society organizations, and start-up entrepreneurs incubators and accelerators aimed at promoting innovation and the sustainable industrialization process, provision of funding, and aiding the in development of advanced products and processes.
Skills Development and Lifelong Learning: Al-Quds University fosters skills development and lifelong learning for students and members of the community. The university augments its educational offerings with continuing education programs, community workshops, and professional development courses aimed at different levels and types of learning. These offerings help community members gain new skills, refresh their knowledge, and stay competitive in the job market.
Advocacy and Policy Development: Al-Quds University advocates for the development and implementation of policies and action plans geared towards inclusive and sustainable industrialization, innovation, and infrastructure at the local, national, and global levels.
Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: The university participates in community development activities integrating innovative industrial and infrastructure enhancement. Business and social enterprise partnerships development help resolve local challenges, create jobs, and foster social responsibility in students and faculty.
Thus, Al-Quds University works with education, research, industry and stakeholder collaboration, innovation and technology transfer, skills development and lifelong learning, policy advocacy, and community engagement to embrace and pursue SDG 9 in a multifaceted manner that includes: Al-Quds University advocates for greater access to small-scale industrial projects and related initiatives, financial services, and sustainable infrastructure.
By the year 2030, the goal is to upgrade the infrastructure and modernize industries to attain their sustainability, while enhancing the efficiency of resource use and adopting clean and environmentally safe technologies and industrial processes.