It presents key definitions and concepts and displays some of the main STI trends, in particular relating to research and (experimental) development (R&D) spending and ICT development. It highlights efforts made to increase access to STI in developing countries and explains the transformational effect of ICTs on the economy. It also highlights common barriers faced by many developing counties in fully utilising new technologies. The third section presents the approach to identify STI-related activities in the CRS, and discusses opportunities and limitations with the data. The fourth section of this paper presents the main trends in ODF in support of STI for the SDGs, including by development providers, financial instruments, key sectors and receiving countries and regions.