Achieving Sustainable Development Goals : Key skills and traits for complex problem-solving

This study aims to provide more guidance for individuals and organizations to improve their approaches to tackling complex problems like the SDGs, and to enhance their role in contributing to the global progress on the SDGs targets. The main objective of this research is to identify skills that contribute to Complex Problem-Solving (CPS) in the context of SDG 9 and to understand how these skills can be practically applied by individuals to achieve sustainable development. To achieve this, 18 interviews were conducted with managers with experience in projects related to SDG 9. While the research primarily aimed to identify essential skills for CPS, the data revealed that managers also emphasized the importance of key individual traits alongside these skills that contribute for CPS. Additionally, the results identify core skills for complex problem-solving as technical and subject-related skills, communication skills, collaboration skills, relationship building and maintenance, and mobilization skills, which according to managers are vital in one’s approach for CPS in the context of SDG 9. The findings suggest that a combination of these skills and traits, supported by technical knowledge aligned with the technical demands linked with SDG 9, is crucial for effectively addressing complex sustainability challenges.