Technology Appropriateness for Developing Countries

04 Apr 2024 Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
In the realm of technology today, there lies a great potential to bring about positive changes for nations in the process of development. This includes boosting productivity, efficiency, innovation and access to information and services, while also opening doors to new opportunities for economic and social growth. However, these advantages come with hurdles and challenges that could impact developing countries adversely. These include widening gaps in society, displacing workers from their traditional roles, disrupting established social norms and customs, as well as posing threats to both the environment and human safety.
Officials responsible for creating policies in developing nations must grasp the intricate and diverse nature of how appropriate a technology is for their specific circumstances and aspirations regarding development. They should craft nuanced strategies that maximize the advantages while minimizing any potential drawbacks that may arise from implementing such technologies. The appropriateness of a technology refers to how well it fits in with a particular situation or purpose while being beneficial without causing negative consequences.
For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise in enhancing efficiency, productivity and quality across different sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education and governance within developing nations. Nevertheless, it also introduces concerns such as job displacement issues, biases present within its algorithms, accountability matters related to its use, as well as considerations about human decision making capabilities.
Therefore, the suitability of AI for less developed nations relies on various factors like how well the AI applications cater to inclusivity and empowerment, the alignment of AI policies and frameworks and ensuring that AI actors and stakeholders act with respect, responsibility and accountability.
To effectively incorporate new technologies in a fitting manner, developing countries encounter numerous policy challenges and opportunities. These include improving digital infrastructure, skills development and fostering innovation capabilities to promote inclusive and sustainable growth while collaborating with other nations and stakeholders.
Developing countries must invest in enhancing their digital infrastructure such as broadband, mobile services and cloud technology to ensure access and connectivity for their populations and businesses. Additionally, they should focus on upgrading digital skills like literacy, numeracy, problem solving abilities to enable active participation in the digital economy. Moreover, nurturing innovation capabilities through research, development efforts along with fostering entrepreneurship is crucial for creating technologies tailored to their specific needs. Moreover, they should prioritize knowledge sharing and collaboration with other nations and stakeholders to exchange best practices, expertise, resources, foster partnerships, networks and alliances.
As the former Chair of the United Nations Advisory Committee on Internet Governance (UNICTTF), I believe that developing countries stand to benefit greatly from embracing the technology revolution. This can be achieved by improving digital infrastructure, skills and innovation capabilities, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth and fostering collaboration with other nations and stakeholders.
In today's world, it is crucial for advanced economies to assist their less developed counterparts in establishing a just and balanced global digital economy. This will help narrow the digital divide, create opportunities for everyone, as well as bring the world community closer together.