Studying the leading economies of the world will give us enough evidence that all of them have a robust, innovative ecosystem which allows them to progress in the world. By incorporating artificial intelligence into the political, educational and infrastructural sphere, they have adopted a sophisticated methodology which enables them to deal with emerging challenges such as climate change.
Pakistan has great potential to tow in the line of the world’s leading economies owing to its multi-talented youth. Thus, Pakistan’s academic, business and policymaking communities need to step in to make long-term innovation strategies, especially with regard to education. By investing considerably in human capital such as improving youth literacy and giving them exposure to modern technologies as well as creative thinking, the chances of progress will multiply. Furthermore, it is essential to incentivise women’s entry into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields so that they are not left behind.
In addition, improving the standards of engineering universities and IT-related fields is the need of the hour as Pakistan is entering into the industrialisation stage with the aim to alleviate production and trading concerns. By empowering our society to innovate and advance, Pakistan can turn the tables in its favour and increase human and economic development in the country.
However, it is only possible if the government provides the youth an open and “safe” space to synergise its talents and capabilities for societal progress. Most importantly, it is time that the generational attitudes that have stifled development, creativity, societal intelligence and cultural growth for decades are addressed. Otherwise, inequitable development and vices such as corruption will continue to infect our socio-political and economic systems.
Hadia Mukhtar
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2020.
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