Report on the Role of AI Development Tools in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Case Study: Anysphere’s Cursor and its Alignment with Global Goals

This report analyzes the launch of the AI coding assistant, Cursor, by the development team Anysphere in 2022. The case highlights the significant potential of artificial intelligence to empower smaller enterprises and contribute to several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Contribution to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The emergence of Cursor demonstrates a pivotal advancement in technological innovation. By enabling a small team to develop a competitive product, AI fosters a more inclusive and resilient industrial landscape.

• Fostering Innovation: Anysphere, operating as a lean entity, successfully developed a sophisticated AI tool, showcasing how AI can lower barriers to entry for technological innovation.
• Promoting Inclusive Industrialization: The ability of a small team to compete with industry giants like OpenAI and GitHub supports the goal of promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization by diversifying the pool of innovators.

Impact on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

AI-powered tools directly influence productivity and economic inclusivity, which are central tenets of SDG 8.

• Enhancing Productivity: Tools like Cursor are designed to create a “smarter way to write code,” thereby boosting developer productivity and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
• Empowering Small Enterprises: The success of Anysphere proves that AI can empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete on a larger scale, fostering job creation and economic dynamism.

Supporting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

A primary outcome observed from this case is the democratization of advanced technology, which directly addresses the goal of reducing inequality within and among countries.

1. The availability of powerful AI assistants levels the competitive playing field, reducing the resource-based advantages traditionally held by large corporations.
2. By providing access to cutting-edge tools, AI enables smaller teams and developers in various economic contexts to participate more fully in the global digital economy.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on technological innovation within the software industry. The development of “Cursor,” an “AI coding assistant,” by a “lean group of developers” directly represents the core themes of innovation and upgrading technological capabilities. The article highlights how a small entity, Anysphere, is contributing to the tech industry and competing with established giants, which embodies the spirit of fostering innovation.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article connects to this SDG by showcasing entrepreneurship and the pursuit of higher economic productivity through technology. The creation of a “smarter way to write code” is an innovation aimed at increasing the productivity of software developers. The story of Anysphere also represents the role of small enterprises in driving economic activity and creating high-skilled jobs.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  A connection can be made to this SDG through the theme of leveling the playing field. The article states that “even the smallest teams can punch far above their weight when powered by AI.” This suggests that advanced technology like AI can reduce the inequality of opportunity between small, lean startups and “well-funded giant[s]” like OpenAI and GitHub, allowing for more equitable competition in the marketplace.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…encouraging innovation.
   • The article provides a direct example of this target in action. The team at Anysphere engaged in technological development to launch “Cursor,” an “AI coding assistant.” This is a clear instance of upgrading technological capabilities and encouraging innovation within the software development industry.
2. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
   • The core purpose of the “AI coding assistant” is to provide a “smarter way to write code.” This directly supports the goal of increasing economic productivity for developers and the companies they work for through technological upgrading and innovation.
3. Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development, research and innovation.
   • The story of Anysphere, a “lean group of developers” creating a novel AI tool, is a case study in domestic technology development and research. They are contributing to the innovation ecosystem by building and launching a competitive product.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article does not provide quantitative data but implies the relevance of certain indicators that could be used to measure the impact of activities like those described.

• Indicator 9.5.2: Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants.
  • The article’s mention of a “lean group of developers” points to the existence of researchers and developers who are the driving force behind innovation. While no numbers are given, the story highlights the importance of this skilled workforce.
• Indicator 9.b.1: Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added.
  • The development of an “AI coding assistant” is a high-tech activity. The success and growth of companies like Anysphere directly contribute to the value added by the high-tech industry, which is what this indicator aims to measure.
• Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.
  • The article implies a positive impact on this indicator. A tool that provides a “smarter way to write code” is designed to increase the output and efficiency of developers (employed persons), which in turn contributes to productivity growth.

Summary of Findings

Source: hbr.org