The Role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in Achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - A Systematic Review

Abstract

As the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a key enabler of sustainable development. This paper presents a systematic review of IoT-SDG research from 2015–2024, mapping its applications across seven macro-sectors: health, food and agriculture, energy and environment, education and employment, industry and innovation, governance and human rights, and smart cities and smart spaces. Our analysis identifies three major trends: (i) a shift from conceptual designs to real-world deployments, including grassroots innovations in developing economies tailored to local priorities; (ii) increasing reliance on enabling technologies such as cloud, edge, and machine learning, which together enhance scalability and responsiveness; and (iii) the growing use of IoT data not only for operational efficiency, but to quantify the impact of SDG interventions and identify areas for refinement. Despite this progress, barriers remain, including limited connectivity, dependence on centralised infrastructures, and challenges of interoperability, particularly in low-resource settings. These findings underscore the need for context-specific, edge-driven architectures and scalable mobile applications that can bridge digital divides. By synthesising achievements, gaps, and future opportunities, this review offers actionable insights for policymakers, technologists, and researchers seeking to harness IoT more effectively in support of an inclusive and sustainable SDG Vision 2030.