The world is becoming more connected every day and opportunities for IoT innovations are expanding rapidly - and not only in the developed world, but especially in emerging and developing countries. This research shows that IoT applications in healthcare can, for example, increase the efficiency of vaccination programs, integrate smallholders into important services such as crop-insurance and compensate for weak emergency infrastructure in urban disaster management. Although the possibilities of IoT applications are vast, the Internet of Things is also posing new questions and challenges for international cooperation: Which software standards ensure interoperability between different devices and networks? How are needs-based and efficient IoT applications best developed? Which kinds of partnerships do the sustainable IoT programmes support? IoT exploits recent advances in software, falling hardware prices and modern attitudes towards technology. Its new and advanced elements bring major changes in the delivery of products, goods and services; and the social, economic, and political impact of those changes.
