The Role of Technology in National Development
FEATURE
The Role of Technology in National Development
Emmanuel O. Egbogah
Executive Chairman Emerald Energy Resources
F
rom the beginning of time, man has strived to improve his way and quality of life. The caveman discovered how to make and use tools, developed a logical sequence for activities, and evolved processes that added value to his life. The totality of the use and application of his knowledge, skills, tools, and materials constitutes what we today describe as “technology.” If natural instinct directs us and compels the application of technology for the well-being of man, why is it that all humankind has not exploited this in equal capacity? Technology plays a fundamental role in wealth creation, improvement of the quality of life, real economic growth, and transformation in any society. For example, the United Kingdom and France benefited tremendously from the industrial revolution in the 19th century, and the United States emerged from an agrarian economy into an industrial superpower in the 20th century. Taiwan and Korea became industrialized countries by exploiting advances in silicon microelectronics from the early 1960s. Most recently, China and India have emerged as industrial leaders in manufacturing and information technology, respectively. All of these countries invested quite heavily in people and factories, and their successes were based on carefully designed plans and strategies. Unfortunately, in many, if not all, of the nondeveloped (or “yet to develop”) countries, technology is viewed as a consumable item, not something that can be produced or created. Technology is the primary engine of economic growth and provides the key to unlocking any country’s potential. Hence, countries that want to develop must invest significantly in science and technology. This is achieved by developing the talent, the human capacity required to compete in a globally competitive world.
THE CASE OF MALAYSIA
In the early and mid-1990s, the
The Role of Technology in National Development
Emmanuel O. Egbogah
Executive Chairman Emerald Energy Resources
F
rom the beginning of time, man has strived to improve his way and quality of life. The caveman discovered how to make and use tools, developed a logical sequence for activities, and evolved processes that added value to his life. The totality of the use and application of his knowledge, skills, tools, and materials constitutes what we today describe as “technology.” If natural instinct directs us and compels the application of technology for the well-being of man, why is it that all humankind has not exploited this in equal capacity? Technology plays a fundamental role in wealth creation, improvement of the quality of life, real economic growth, and transformation in any society. For example, the United Kingdom and France benefited tremendously from the industrial revolution in the 19th century, and the United States emerged from an agrarian economy into an industrial superpower in the 20th century. Taiwan and Korea became industrialized countries by exploiting advances in silicon microelectronics from the early 1960s. Most recently, China and India have emerged as industrial leaders in manufacturing and information technology, respectively. All of these countries invested quite heavily in people and factories, and their successes were based on carefully designed plans and strategies. Unfortunately, in many, if not all, of the nondeveloped (or “yet to develop”) countries, technology is viewed as a consumable item, not something that can be produced or created. Technology is the primary engine of economic growth and provides the key to unlocking any country’s potential. Hence, countries that want to develop must invest significantly in science and technology. This is achieved by developing the talent, the human capacity required to compete in a globally competitive world.
THE CASE OF MALAYSIA
In the early and mid-1990s, the