This book offers a critical examination of industrial policy, economic transformation, and sustainable development across Southeast Asia. It explores the evolution of industrial upgrading strategies in the region, distinguishing between passive and active industrial policies, and assessing their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (clean and affordable energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Through country-specific analyses, the book examines the integration of digitalization, climate resilience, and smart technologies into industrial and agricultural sectors. It highlights the uneven progress among ASEAN economies—from Singapore’s high-value industrial structure to Timor-Leste’s early-stage development—while addressing challenges in science, technology, and innovation (STI) infrastructure. With a focus on policy, innovation, and environmental and social governance, it is an essential read for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners seeking to understand Southeast Asia’s industrial transformation and its implications for sustainable development.
