Techno-nationalism Vs Techno-globalisation:
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Techno-globalisation seeks the free flow of technologies and sharing of innovations in order to bring countries and individuals on a shared platform to solve social problems.
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Techno-nationalism sees nation states using their superiority in specific technologies rise up the global hierarchy and dominate other nations.
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However, neither of these two term accurately describe the current state of global affairs.
Current state of global affairs
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US Vs China tech-race:
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Goal is dominance over new technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, Internet of Things.
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Most analysts today put China on a par with the US, in areas like artificial intelligence and big data analytics, genomic manipulation and even quantum computing.
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Anti-China sentiment: Action by developed countries against Chinese ambition and its government’s use of private companies to gather data surreptitiously from friends and rivals alike.
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Status of developing and under-developed countries:
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They are users, not original innovators.
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Many of them turning towards China for new technologies.
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At the cusp of Fourth Industrial Revolution, the world is getting divided into the techno colonialists, or the original innovators, and the techno colonies, or the users.
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India’s place in the global play: India has targeted self-sufficiency and techno-nationalism, due to rising tensions with China.
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Steps taken:
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Banned many Chinese apps and talked about developing indigenous 5G telecom technology.
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Government has outlined its vision for artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
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Factors that prevented India’s technological advancement in the past
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Lack of coherent long-term vision and a clearly-articulated action plan: with timelines and targets.
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The erstwhile Soviet model of development, although helped in achieving competency in some areas (food security), hindered technology adoption due to closed nature of economy
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After 1991 reforms: Focus was more on economic problems rather than on technological development.
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Lack of intent by private sector: which preferred to buy technology off the shelf instead of trying to develop it.
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Lacked ambition to compete with other countries: India develop cutting edge technology only when they are denied the access.
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E.g. development of cryogenic engines, nuclear technology and super computers.
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Conclusion: India should be more ambitious in develop cutting edge technologies to escape remaining a techno-colony.