A theory of digital technology advancement to address the grand challenges of sustainable development

Scholarly research has not yet discussed the totality of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as part of a broader picture of sustainable development. This paper provides a unique analysis of the linkages between institutions, SDGs and digital technologies to establish their exact interdependencies. Factor analysis of the grand challenges of sustainable development has shown only SDG3 and SDG17 might progress through institutions’ development in developed countries, while only SDG16 in developing countries. In developed countries, the institutions of human development, globalisation and innovations influence SDG3, and SDG17, which depend on digitised knowledge and the application of digital technologies. Human development and economic freedom, which rely on digital infrastructure and technologies, impacted SDG16 in developing countries. The digital knowledge index and the digital technologies index in developed countries enhance management efficiency, having a maximum impact on SDG3 and SDG17. The findings of this paper contribute to social and economic policy implications on digital technology development for addressing grand challenges. •Digital advancements can adequately address the grand challenges of sustainable development.•We weigh results separately for each SDG to create a theory of digital technology advancement.•This paper showcases the differences in sustainable development goals.•We supply reliable strategic milestones for managing digital technology development. A thorough analysis to figure out the differences in meeting the gran challenges of sustainable development.