Top universities for sustainable industrialisation and tech in 2024

University Impact Rankings for UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Times Higher Education has recognised 1,018 universities from 101 countries/regions for their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure. The top institutions are at the forefront of promoting sustainable industrialisation, enhancing economic development and expanding equitable access to industry. Through cutting-edge research, development of new technologies and fostering industrial diversification, these universities play a crucial role in shaping resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrial practices.

These leading institutions not only focus on advancing technological capabilities but actively contribute to the establishment and growth of innovative enterprises. Their efforts are instrumental in transforming industries and enhancing the global economic landscape through sustainable practices.

Summary of findings

The ranking for SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure has eight universities in joint first place. Five of these are in Germany, one in the Netherlands, one in the UK and one in South Korea.

Turkey has the most institutions in the table, with 71, followed by Japan (55).

Methodology

Our methodology for SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure features detailed indicators that measure universities' impact on resilient infrastructure and inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and innovation:

Research on industry, innovation and infrastructure (11.6%)

• Volume of research that drives sustainable industrialisation, the development of new technological solutions and the diversification and enhancement of industrial sectors

Patents citing university research (15.4%)

• The number of patents that cite university research, indicating the influence and application of academic innovations in real-world industrial contexts

University spin-offs (34.6%)

• The formation and success of spin-off companies originating from university research, showcasing the commercialisation of technological advancements

Research income from industry and commerce (38.4%)

• Amount of funding from industry and commercial sectors, reflecting the practical impact and industry relevance of university research

The Impact Rankings are inherently dynamic: they are growing rapidly each year as many more universities seek to demonstrate their commitment to delivering the SDGs by joining our database; and they allow institutions to demonstrate rapid improvement year-on-year, by introducing clear new policies, for example, or by providing clearer and more open evidence of their progress. Therefore, we expect and welcome regular change in the ranked order of institutions (and we discourage year-on-year comparisons) as universities continue to drive this urgent agenda.

View the overall Impact Rankings 2024

Read our analysis of the Impact Rankings 2024 results

Download a free copy of the Impact Rankings 2024 digital report

Register to participate in next year’s Impact Rankings

To raise your university’s global profile with Times Higher Education, contact branding@timeshighereducation.com

To unlock the data behind THE’s Impact Rankings and access a range of analytical and benchmarking tools, click here