Globalization, S & T and Change Management

Globalization, S & T and Change Management

Dr. Syed Wajid H. Pirzada

With globalization, economies are now widely opened and this necessitates changes in economic environment aiming at change management for purpose of successful transition to (knowledge) Tech-Based economy. With global restructuring of economies, Science and Technology [S&T] policies cannot remain in oblivion; and thus are [also] undergoing restructuring- a phenomenon for which a term 'Techno-Globalizm' has been coined.

This paradigm-shift in the area of technology, has led to changes in [S&T] policies being pursued [earlier] by national governments, seeking a shift from Techno-Nationalism to Techno-Globalizm. This shift is now quite visible, for example, at EU level, where Technologically Advanced Nations [TANs] like Germany are now all set to reorient their technology policy, earlier focusing sharply on Techno-Nationalism. The changed focus in their [national] policy now centers on building [EU] regional capacity through modernization of institutions and procedures [policy] at that level.

This change has been precipitated by the fact that [today] the national policies of these countries [like many others] are deeply embedded in [variable] geometry of international agreements and organizations. Take the example of World Trade Organization [WTO]. Globalization of [Tech-led] trade under WTO, has led countries to think of strengthening their technological [industrial] base, with the view to build their competitive capacity in international trade. To manage the change, in the area of S &T, there is an added focus these days on the need for effective policy instruments, which can bring about the required change in stipulated time period.

The [international] Agreements under WTO and other such fora, for example MEAs (Multilateral Environmental Agreements), have also led countries think about enhancement of their capacities, both at national and regional level, in hitherto virgin areas like regulations on environmental protection, Intellectual Property Management, Genetic engineering & Bio-safety, liberalization of telecom services, data protection & management and harmonization/ equivalence of standards. WTO [General] Agreement on Trade in Services [GATS] and concomitant global trends suggesting mergers and acquisitions and resultant Global Giants, has helped hastened process of setting technological norms and regulating corporate mergers- the competition policy, and much more as to manage the change.

Technology issues, for example those in WTO, like agricultural biotechnology-GMOs perspective, bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-ethics & health, energy & environment, information & communication technologies [ICT] along with other innovations in S &T sector; and also those related to Trans-nationals [TNCs] & Multinationals [MNCs] are yet other areas at heart of the policies of many countries these days. The developing countries [DCs], while contrasting their situation with TANs particularly with reference to TNCs/ MNCs-the latter having access to knowledge, technology and capital, feel that there is n't level playing field for them in tech-led [international] trade.

Economies in transition, are poised, on lines of Developed Market Economies [DMEs] /TANs, to manage [quality] information and infrastructure for technology & development in this area and thusgear up for tech-based [trade] superhighway. Whereas, ICT is the focal area, in most cases, microelectronics, new materials and Biotech] genetic engineering are yet other areas of interest, in the global trade perspective, to many of these countries.

The economic development and growth, in potential output, of DMEs and for that matter other countries rides on four wheels i.e. Human Resource, capital formation, natural resource base and technological innovations. These remain [four] key factors or elements of development/progress. Of these, 4th wheel-Technological advancement] is an important factor contributing towards development.

USA and Japan are manifest examples of, how countries can build their economies by adopting [foreign] S & T to local market conditions. For example, by adopting foreign [productive] technologies Japan moved to its present] position, as worlds largest [industrial] economy.

One of the [key] tasks of economic development is cultivating, fostering and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit. A country cannot sustain growth until there is critical mass, ready to face challenges, take risks by adopting new technologies-change management and thus setting a stage for innovative development. It is with this concept that DCs have to gear up for using 4th wheel for their development.

Given their resource constraints coupled with technological inadequacies and weaker knowledge base [capability], it is difficult for DCs to catch the pace and thus manage the change needed, in this context, until and unless necessary policy instruments are in place and necessary political will is mustered to translate policies in to action.

A two pronged [rewarding] strategy, in this regard, would be guided by[strategic planning]the need for building [both] national and regional capacities geared towards development of Regional Trading Areas [RTAs], amply supported by S &T settings and capitalizing on their synergies and complementarities. It is easier said than done; yet those who wish to climb mountains [have always to] start by putting [1st] step forward. DCs are [bound] to start somewhere and learn co-existence, for the common good of their people, to withstand the wave of trade liberalization.

In this context, the first and foremost issue is an access to credible source of information on technologies and development of quality infrastructure. To this end DCs need to promote dialogue on S & T policies, which shall help develop organizations and procedures for technology generation, [their] evaluation, diffusion and study [their] economic impact and socio-political implications. This, in turn, shall help them put in an enabling environment for taking informed decisions. Such a capacity at regional Trading Areas [RTAs] level would be rewarding. ECO and SAARC platforms need to be geared for change management along with appropriate national level initiatives. COMSTECH has a role to play, in the perspective of OIC, and Most at national level.