Author(s): Laura Montano, Philippe Gourbesville, Tom Soo, with contributions from National Water Associations

Linked Author(s): Laura Montano, Philippe Gourbesville, Tom Soo

Keywords: global water innovation report

Abstract:

This report presents, for the first time, the top five national water priorities for research and innovation as identified by leading water national organisations from nine countries across the world, representing a population of over three billion people. Research and innovation water priorities were centred on emerging game changers, engineering research and development, and fundamental research. In summary, the national water priorities indicated that:

• The highest priority identified as an emerging game changer is the development of climate resilient and sustainable infrastructure, aimed to promote adaptive strategies and nature-based solutions (NbS) capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.

• Additional emerging game changers include progress in technologies to improve water management and monitoring, policy and regulatory reforms and governance, and investigation of the water-energy nexus.

• The top engineering research and development priority was the advancement of hydrological, environmental and coastal monitoring, forecasting and modelling through the integration of artificial intelligence, and remote sensing and advanced technologies aiming to enhance real-time monitoring and disaster preparedness.

• Additional research and development priorities included improvements in technologies for water monitoring, treatment and irrigation, as well as climate adaptation infrastructure, and researching interactions within the water-foodenergy nexus.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/IAHR-GWIR2025-002

Year: 2025