Equitable Technology and Sustainable Development Goals in Chattanooga’s Professional Sectors

Two Chattanooga professionals, April Sawhill and Austin Corcoran, have expressed their visions for a future where technology advances in a more equitable and inclusive manner. Their perspectives align closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on quality education, gender equality, decent work, and reduced inequalities.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession

April Sawhill, Director at Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison law firm, emphasizes the critical need for greater diversity in senior-level positions within the legal industry. This aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

• Current technological advancements such as digital platforms, data analytics, and AI-powered solutions are enhancing efficiency in legal practices by automating tasks, improving legal research, and refining document review processes.
• Challenges include the rise of nonlawyer ownership of law firms, which may introduce conflicts of interest and prioritize profits over client needs.
• Essential skills for legal professionals now include data literacy, technology proficiency, critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, crisis management, and adaptability.
• AI is currently utilized to accelerate research, document review, and legal drafting, but human creativity and analysis remain indispensable.
• The balance between remote and in-office work is evolving, with younger lawyers seeking more flexibility; however, in-person collaboration is still valued for optimal results.

Advancing Education and Workforce Development through Technology

Austin Corcoran, Associate Director for Programming at the UTC Center for Professional Education, highlights the transformative impact of technology on education and workforce readiness, supporting SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

• Technological innovations such as AI, automation, cloud platforms, and data analytics are reshaping teaching methods, student engagement, and application of knowledge through experiential learning.
• The primary challenge is bridging the talent gap by aligning academic programs with emerging technological fields like AI, quantum computing, and data science.
• Developing flexible, skills-based learning opportunities and strengthening partnerships with employers are key strategies to prepare students for lifelong leadership and impact.
• Workers require agility, strong communication, lifelong learning, and technical expertise, alongside leadership development and global competencies.
• Hybrid work models are redefining organizational culture, talent acquisition, and collaboration, with flexibility enhancing work-life balance but also presenting communication challenges.

Integration of Sustainable Development Goals in Chattanooga’s Technological Future

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promoting diversity and equal representation in senior roles within the legal sector.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Investing in education and talent pipelines to foster inclusive economic growth and innovation.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – Enhancing educational systems to equip learners with relevant skills for a technology-driven future.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing systemic barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities across professions.

Conclusion

The insights from Chattanooga’s legal and educational leaders underscore a shared commitment to leveraging technology in ways that promote equity, inclusion, and sustainable development. By aligning industry practices with the Sustainable Development Goals, Chattanooga aims to foster an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Additional Resources

• Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Automotive Sector
• Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Manufacturing
• Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Insurance
• Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Retail
• Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Health Care
• Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Logistics
• Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Banking & Finance
• Chattanooga 2025 Playbook: Real Estate

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article emphasizes building an internationally competitive education system, investing in tech education, and preparing students for lifelong leadership and impact.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The need for greater diversity and equal representation for women in senior-level positions within the legal profession is highlighted.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article discusses the evolving workforce skills, talent pipelines, and the impact of technology on work environments, including hybrid work models.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The focus on equitable approaches to technology and opening doors for all learners addresses reducing inequalities.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The transformation of industries through technology, AI, and automation is discussed, highlighting innovation and infrastructure development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4 Targets:
   • 4.3 – Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education.
   • 4.4 – Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment and entrepreneurship.
   • 4.7 – Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable development and global citizenship.
2. SDG 5 Targets:
   • 5.1 – End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • 5.5 – Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.
3. SDG 8 Targets:
   • 8.5 – Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • 8.6 – Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
4. SDG 10 Targets:
   • 10.2 – Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
5. SDG 9 Targets:
   • 9.5 – Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 4:
   • Proportion of youth and adults with relevant technical and vocational skills (Target 4.4).
   • Participation rates in tertiary education and lifelong learning programs.
   • Access to quality education for all learners regardless of background.
2. Indicator for SDG 5:
   • Proportion of women in senior and leadership positions within professions (Target 5.5).
   • Measures of diversity and equal representation in the workforce.
3. Indicator for SDG 8:
   • Employment rates among youth and adults in tech-related fields.
   • Proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (Target 8.6).
   • Workplace flexibility and hybrid work adoption rates.
4. Indicator for SDG 10:
   • Measures of social and economic inclusion across demographic groups.
   • Access to education and employment opportunities for marginalized groups.
5. Indicator for SDG 9:
   • Investment in research and development in technology sectors.
   • Adoption rates of AI and automation technologies in industries.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: timesfreepress.com