Sustainable Development and Innovation: Reviewing the Concept and Malaysian Participation

Abstract

“Sustainable Development” has been the world agenda since 1972. It became official and in force since Brundtland Commission’s 1987 report “Our Common Future”. The world has united under one umbrella for the future of mother Earth with one common objective in 2030 Agenda. Malaysia’s influence and active participation is since then and more inclusive from 1996. Malaysia has come a long way since. In this new borderless era, sustainable development has become so important and used in trades. Innovation accepted by all nations as the savior to lead the world to take charge of sustainable development achievement in future with United Nations (UN) also acknowledging and to include innovation an important role in sustainable development goals. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki on 6th Jun, 2016, in UN conference mentioned that progress in innovation through science and technology will be the assets to deliver the sustainable development goals. This paper sets its focus in innovation and its contribution to sustainable development as the key objective; especially when integrated to business organizations through social, environmental and economic enterprises, bringing competitive innovation advantage to the firm, industry and nation as a whole