This chapter explores the evolving role of the European Union (EU) in the fields of research, knowledge, science, and education, and how the EU's actions interact, and even correspond, with global challenges through the lens of EU law and policy. While traditionally considered outside the EU's core competence, these areas, fields, and domains have become increasingly central to the EU's legal development and overall framework for action. Specifically, the chapter examines how the EU contributes to three of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality education), SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals). Through various initiatives and policies, the EU demonstrates its evident capacity to act and give effect to these SDGs. It therefore illustrates the EU's ability to mobilise legal, financial, and policy instruments to support sustainable development, both internally, but also externally.