Session 2

Brief Overview/Summary

The second TWC lesson talked about Technology, Society and Global Dominance, followed by the topic on Technology and Human Development. Other than the discussing and analyzing reading materials, it was also the first time we had student presentations on the relevant topics.

Interesting Observations and Ideas/Key Takeaways

Prof Shahi talked about the difference between innovation and invention, and explained how invention is a subset of innovation. Also, as the rate of innovation increases, we will soon reach an era where knowledge is changing so fast that people can no longer catch up. With at least 3000 books published daily, it is impossible for one to be filled with the entire realm of knowledge in the world.

I particularly enjoyed the article on “Innovation In The Reset World”. The author talks about the world’s markets during economic meltdowns. According to the article, different companies with different mindsets will have distinct reactions to economic meltdowns. Shortsighted companies tend to simply stick to the status quo to tide through the recession, while others tend to innovate and introduce change in their firms to prepare for greater growth. The author also mentioned that “The best time to prepare for expansion is during a recession.” and that “In a recession, innovation is more important than ever”. My takeaway from this discussion is that innovation isn’t just about new ideas and inventions, but also to use these new ideas generate products and services. During tough economic situations, firms should be keener to invest in research and development to look for new niche markets in an attempt to create greater profits through demanded markets.

This also brings us to Prof Shahi’s discussion on the characteristics of a Dominant Player- Falling Star and Rising Star. It is easy to classify different countries and industries to the two groups. Falling Stars tend to have “closed perspectives” and aren’t keen to innovate and invest in new ideas. On the other hand, Rising Stars have an open perspective and are keen to innovate and invest in new ideas. The example of Japan during the Meiji Era of how it became a ‘rising star’ really stirred my interest.

During the Meiji Era, Japan developed a well-developed transport and communication system, and also sent many native Japanese to overseas universities to be educated. This allowed Japan to have an established and rapidly growing industrial sector based on the latest technology by 1912. My takeaway from this point is that without constant hunger and desire for new knowledge and innovation, firms and countries will eventually lose out in global dominance and advancement, which has adverse effects on their society and economy.

During the discussion on Technology and Human Development, Tianbai’s presentation really sparked my interest. The world is extremely fascinated about the advantages and benefits that technology has brought to us today. However, Tianbai presented a clear image of the causes and effects of some of today’s greatest technology from a different angle. Tianbai talked about the huge leap in technology with the first man of the Moon, and how it actually rooted from the arms race during the Cold War between US and the USSR in the 1980s. He also talked about how the advancement in genetic engineering can allow pregnant mothers to choose the gender of their child. This has adverse social effects as it emphasizes on the issue of gender preferences, which is still prevalent in today’s world. My takeaway from this discussion is that instead of simply looking at the benefits that high technology has actually brought for humans, people should actually take a step back to evaluate the adverse effects that technology has cost man.

Prof Shahi also discussed the usefulness of the Human Development Index (HDI). Even though it is a viable measure for the standard of living in a country, it disregards the emotional and psychological component of the people living in a country. In addition, the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index is an attempt to measure the quality of life of people living in a country. The GNH is based on economic, environmental, physical, mental, workplace, social and political wellness.

 Issues for Further Discussion

1)   Is the GNH really effective? Should economic and political wellness really part of a country’s happiness level?

2)   Why do countries choose to be a Falling Star instead of a Rising Star? (Eg. Europe)

Personal Ratings

I would give this lesson a rating of 8/10. I enjoyed the presentations and I found open discussions very engaging. However, the lesson would have been better if there was more time for greater emphasis on technology and its effects of human development.