Historical Overview of Technology and The Developing World

During my last post I gave a little introduction about the topic of technology and its impact on the developing world and I thought it would be a good idea (also my professor made me) to give a brief historical overview on the topic. I hope a little background information and history would help us better understand the topic and enrich the rest of the knowledge gained through reading this blog.

Technology has been an integral component of the human experience since the beginning of time and this also rings true for the developing world where technology has been being implemented for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Some Third World countries that are considered less technologically savvy than their First World counterparts in this day and age were once bastions of technologically advancement. Sumer (which is modern day Iraq) was the birthplace of many of the most important agricultural innovations of all time. Currently monumental innovations in agriculture such as irrigation, large scale cultivation of land, mono-cropping and the use of a specialized labor force originated from Sumer. Sumer stands as one of the many examples of past technologically advanced civilizations who preceded modern countries who are relatively lagging in technological advancement. These countries have a heritage of technological advancement but have faced economic and social hardships that have hampered recent technological development.



Despite these setbacks however, the technological future of the developing world looks bright. Developing countries are closing the technological gap between them and the developed world. Countries such as China and India who were once considered Third World countries are now leading powers in the world largely due to advancements in technology. An article on the scientific impact of nations published in the magazine nature by David King (head of the UK Office of Science and Technology) shows that India, China, Iran and Brazil are the only developing countries among the 31 nations that comprise 97.5% of the world's entire scientific productivity. The remaining 162 developing countries constitute less than 2.5% of the world's total scientific productivity. This is a statistical discrepancy that needs to be addressed through increased investment and emphasis on technological research and development in the Third World. Much of India, China, Iran and Brazil's increased economic output and social progress has come about as a result of improved technology. China has solved many of its problems that as a developing nation it inevitably faces through the adoption of technology. Widespread food shortages were addressed through the development of hybrid grains such as hybrid rice which yields more crops and is less susceptible to diseases which destroy crops. Iran's nuclear program is a source of great pride in the country, a bargaining chip when it comes to the poker table of international politics and a vital energy source in a world that is trying to move away from its dependence on fossil fuels. These rapidly developing countries serve as an example to aspire to for the rest of the developing countries who are lagging behind in technological advancement.
The onus is on Third World countries to close the gap between them and First World countries with regards to technological advancement. Spending on technological research, development and education must be increased and an emphasis on adopting technology as an important part of society must be made. I believe that if these two tasks are accomplished a much brighter future lies ahead for the developing world.