The Converging Technology Revolution and Human Capital: Potential and Implications for South Asia [World Bank Group, September 2021]

Title:

The Converging Technology Revolution and Human Capital: Potential and Implications for South Asia 

 

Authors:

Bashir, Sajitha; Dahlman, Carl J.; Kanehira, Naoto; Tilmes, Klaus

 

Published:

World Bank Group, 8 September 2021

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/36156

 

Description:

South Asia is heavily impacted by the devastating loss of lives and human capital from the COVID-19 pandemic and the converging technology revolution sweeping the globe. The Converging Technology Revolution and Human Capital: Potential and Implications for South Asia looks at how the region could capitalize on these technologies to accelerate its development of human capital and promote adaptability and resilience to future shocks. The convergence of technological breakthroughs spanning biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science is driven by artificial intelligence, data flows, computing power, and connectivity. These breakthroughs can improve service delivery, productivity, and innovation, but they can also exacerbate inequalities and eliminate people’s agency and empowerment. This report analyzes these trends in the region, offering a comprehensive agenda to exploit the opportunities offered by converging technologies while minimizing the risks to vulnerable populations. It proposes strategies for building public sector capacity and promoting data and technology governance frameworks in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. 

 

Enhancing ICT for productivity in sub-Saharan Africa: Thresholds for complementary policies [Scholarly Article - African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 13 May 2020]

Title:

Enhancing ICT for productivity in sub-Saharan Africa: Thresholds for complementary policies

 

Authors:

Simplice A. Asongu

African Governance and Development Institute, Research Department, Yaoundé, Cameroon

&

Paul N. Acha-Anyi

Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Management, Walter Sisulu University, Buffalo City, South Africa

Published:

African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, Volume 12, Issue 7,  pp. 831-845 (13 May 2020)

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20421338.2020.1732596

Abstract:

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relevance of enhancing information and communication technology (ICT) on dynamics of total factor productivity (TFP) in 25 sub-Saharan African countries using data covering the period 1980–2014. The empirical evidence is based on the Generalised Method of Moments. The following main findings are established. First, while enhancing ICT overwhelmingly has net positive effects on productivity, the corresponding marginal effects are negative. Second, an extended analysis is performed to establish thresholds for complementary policies. These thresholds are: 100% mobile phone penetration for TFP; between 101.214% and 101.419% mobile phone penetration for welfare TFP and 15% internet penetration for welfare real TFP. It follows that approximately 100% mobile penetration and 15% internet penetration are thresholds at which ICT should be complemented with other macroeconomic policies for favorable outcomes on productivity dynamics. Other policy implications are discussed.