Do you expect the technology landscape to change significantly, in currently unpredictable ways, by December 2025? Moreover, do you think that the issues of poverty, hunger, disease, lack of education, lack of healthcare facilities, inadequate housing, lack of clean drinking water, inflation, unemployment and lack of empowerment can be reduced by 60 to 70%? By 2030?
There are individuals and groups who firmly believe that significant technological progress will not occur by 2025, and that the challenges faced by the poor and lower middle class will not improve significantly by 2030. Their view could be likened to someone sitting in the sun but who deny that it is sunlight and insist that it is darkness. Instead of that. They not only express this point of view, but they sincerely believe it and spread this belief with confidence.
These individuals may be skeptical about the pace of technological progress or the potential impact of technological innovations on various aspects of society. They may question the feasibility of addressing complex issues such as poverty, hunger, disease, lack of education, inadequate health care facilities, housing, clean drinking water, inflation, unemployment and lack of empowerment within the proposed time frame.
In fact, doubt and disbelief often arise from the difficult everyday experiences and problems that individuals face. The poor and lower middle class live a very difficult life, where every day seems like a battle to be won. It may seem as if there is no end to the constant war they face. The frustrations and exhaustion caused by daily necessities and the demands placed on families are so overwhelming that individuals and even entire communities are forced to believe that change for the better is unlikely.
The constant struggle to meet basic needs and provide for their families can create a feeling of despair and resignation. The burden of financial constraints, limited access to basic resources, and lack of opportunities can reinforce the belief that improvement and progress cannot be achieved. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, it becomes difficult to envision a future in which these difficulties are significantly reduced or eliminated.
The influence of the corrupt regime, the absence of constitutional rule, recurring martial law, and the continuing economic, political and social crises over the past 76 years have affected not only the lower and middle classes but also the businessmen and entrepreneurs. Their lack of trust in civilian institutions, such as the judiciary and parliament, stems from the belief that ultimate power in the country lies solely in the hands of the military and intelligence agencies, collectively referred to as the “presidency” or the state.
This belief held by many undermines their faith in civil institutions and casts doubt on the country's future. The belief that the military and agencies are the sole determinants of power erodes confidence in the ability of civilian institutions to guide the country in the right direction. The prevailing sentiment is that regardless of the efforts of the judiciary or parliament, real power rests with the military and intelligence agencies.
Lack of trust in civic institutions and prevailing power dynamics has far-reaching consequences. It hinders the development of a strong democratic system and exacerbates the uncertainty of life. Rebuilding trust in civic institutions, strengthening democratic processes, and enhancing transparency and accountability are essential steps toward promoting a more inclusive and prosperous future for the nation. But the discussion here revolves around another topic: the revolution carried out by objective forces.
However, the railway system, electricity, the internal combustion engine, airplanes, computers, software, satellite television, cell phones, copiers, fax machines, email, the World Wide Web, search engines, social media, and smartphones have emerged. , tablets, and Android devices. Apps like Zoom, and now artificial intelligence (AI) and future technologies, have each marked pivotal moments in human history, revolutionizing different aspects of society. These innovations had profound impacts on the economy, social structures, and cultural dimensions of human civilization.
For example, the railway system provided unprecedented speed and efficiency in transportation, changing perceptions of distance and time. It made travel accessible to a wider segment of the population, and promoted national unity, cultural exchange, and economic growth. Railways also stimulated the development of new industries and contributed to urbanization.
The widespread adoption of electricity has revolutionized industries by providing a reliable and flexible power source. It extended production hours, improved living standards, and supported modern communications systems. The impact of electricity on economic growth, quality of life, and technological innovation cannot be overstated.
The internal combustion engine revolutionized transportation and logistics, making personal and business mobility faster, more reliable and accessible. It transformed industries such as agriculture and construction, and its military applications changed the nature of warfare. The widespread use of the internal combustion engine also led to the growth of the oil industry and became a cornerstone of the global economy.
The invention of airplanes enabled rapid global travel and trade, facilitating cultural exchange, diplomacy and technological innovation. Airplanes have connected distant regions, shrinking the size of the world and promoting global cooperation. Aviation technology has driven advances in engineering and science, impacting various sectors beyond transportation.
Artificial intelligence and future technologies represent the next wave of revolutionary innovations. AI and machine learning have already made great strides in various fields, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment. These technologies have the potential to transform industries, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making capabilities. The integration of AI with other emerging technologies, such as robotics, automation, and the Internet of Things, holds even greater promise for the future.
While it is difficult to predict the exact path of technological progress and its impact on society, it is reasonable to expect significant and unexpected changes in the technology landscape by December 2025. The pace of technological innovation has accelerated in recent years, and breakthroughs in technology have been made. Areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and renewable energy are already on the horizon. These developments have the potential to address pressing global challenges and improve the quality of life for many.
Technological progress can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. For example, artificial intelligence can help improve resource allocation, identify patterns and trends, and enable more targeted interventions. Renewable energy technologies can provide sustainable and affordable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of climate change. Innovations in health care, agriculture and education can improve access to basic services and enhance productivity.
However, it is crucial to recognize that although science, technology, globalization and the development of mind power are fundamental revolutionary forces, they must be complemented in order to reach a complete solution.
In order to address these challenges at their core, it is necessary to promote inclusive economic growth, ensure access to quality education and health care, strengthen social safety nets, and promote sustainable development practices. By addressing the underlying causes and implementing a multi-faceted approach, we can strive towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
Achieving ambitious goals often requires a united effort from governments, organizations and individuals around the world. However, in the context of rapid scientific and technological progress, these entities find themselves forced to adapt to new realities rather than shape them. This scenario assumes that the dynamics of scientific and technological development effectively dictate responses on the part of governments, organizations and individuals, leaving them with limited autonomy in their actions.
This perspective is underscored by the challenges governments face in regulating social media platforms and the broader digital landscape. Likewise, both governments and multinational corporations have struggled to limit the global flow of information, knowledge, research, innovation, and development (IKRID). These phenomena underscore the transformative power of four major forces: science, technology, globalization, and the development of brain power. These forces act as objective drivers of change, shaping the landscape in which governments, institutions and individuals operate, often beyond their control, to dictate terms.
Science and technology, in particular, have emerged as relentless forces, propelling societies into new eras of understanding and capability. Their continued progress dictates the pace and direction of change, requiring adaptive responses rather than prescriptive control. Globalization facilitates the unrestricted flow of ideas, resources and innovations across borders, further accelerating change and integration on a global scale.
Finally, the focus on developing mental capabilities – through education, research and innovation – fuels the continued development of these forces. These dynamics illustrate a shift in the locus of control, suggesting that traditional power structures, such as governments and large corporations, are becoming increasingly important. Interacting with the requirements of scientific and technological progress, globalization and intellectual development.
In essence, these forces not only call for responses, but necessitate them, shaping the future course of societies and the global community as a whole. This shift highlights the need for adaptive strategies capable of harnessing the potential of these forces while addressing the challenges they pose, ensuring that the benefits of these developments are distributed fairly and aligned with broader societal goals.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
