Innovation, in general, is a vital part of revolutions and technological advancements. Technology has become a driver of economic growth and development. As such, Pakistan can learn a lot from the top 5 tech countries in the world. These countries have developed unique approaches to using technology to achieve economic success. By studying their strategies and successes, Pakistan can develop its technology-driven approach to economic development.
Pakistan is a country with a rapidly growing technology sector. It has become an attractive destination for top tech companies, and the country’s government has taken steps to promote the development of new technologies. However, there is still much that Pakistan can learn from the top 5 tech countries in terms of how they approach technology and innovation.
From all the information access at our fingertips to the kitchen appliances that make our lives easy, we have come a long way from where we were. Across multiple areas, such as augmented reality, blockchain, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, discoveries have been made, with many countries playing a significant role. Research and innovation have enabled the world’s top tech giants to improve health, communication, connectivity, infrastructure, agriculture, and security. Countries possessing the desire and aspiration to make technology the focal point of their community development gather enormous economic benefits. Here are the top 5 tech countries Pakistan can learn from:
- Taiwan
Because of its diverse industry foundation, strong semiconductor manufacturing, and high-tech manufacturing capabilities, Taiwan is an internationally recognized ICT manufacturing center.
The growing use of 5G has aided Taiwan in digitizing its activities and shifting its focus to enhancing its technological capabilities, utilizing cloud and big data. Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) was made in 2022 to speed up the local digitalization of industries and focus research on telecommunications, information, cybersecurity, the internet of things, and broadcasting. Pakistan’s government can learn from Taiwan using digital technology trends to focus on participation and find common ground through public and private collaboration.
- Sweden
Sweden demonstrates its dedication to Research and Development (R&D) by investing at least 3 to 4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in technology and innovation. Swedish researchers and businesses are far ahead in biosciences and green technology trends. The country uses trending technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Reality (XR), advanced analytics, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and gamificationto invent solutions for socioeconomic and commercial obstacles.
Pakistan can hasten its transition to an integrated, low-carbon future by allotting more to research and learning from Sweden’s technological expertise.
- Belgium
Belgium is ranked sixth among European Union nations in the inclusivity of digital technology, per Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2022.
One of the nation’s advantages continues to be its application of cutting-edge digital tech trends. The Belgian government is diligently working to attract funding in the digital sector because it is a hotspot of innovation. Microsoft is establishing a new data center territory in collaboration with the Belgian government to hasten the digitalization of the public and private sectors.
Belgium is known for two clean tech sectors, renewable energy, and environmentally friendly construction. Solar and wind continue to be the leading popular clean energy supply in Belgium, as per PwC’s EU Green Deal Survey. Pakistan can collaborate with Belgium to learn from its clean technology sector to speed up and smoothly transition to green energy technology. Moreover, Pakistan’s real estate sector can learn from Belgium’s clean building, using circular concrete and sustainable timber.
- Finland
Finland is a global leader in technology and high-tech products, and Finnish inventions like the internet browser and wind power have made significant contributions worldwide. The nation has a natural aptitude for inventing. EU DESI keeps Finland in second place for its technological performance and competitiveness. Finland achieved high-qualitydigital government services and the interconnection of digital technologies, made possible by collaboration between the public and private sectors and startups. Finland’s fastest-growing power generation source is also wind power. In 2030, Finland will be able to produce 20% wind energy to meet domestic needs and the country’s annual electricity consumption.
Pakistan can learn from Finland’s struggles in the 1990s and how the nation strengthened its educational system, public services, power crisis, and initiatives for R&D.
- Japan
Japan is known to be a top tech nation. The country experiences frequent natural disasters because of the area where many tectonic plates meet, causing earthquakes, hurricanes, torrential rains, volcanic activity, tsunamis, floods, and typhoons. So it was only natural for Japan to innovate technological solutions for disasters and prevention.
Mobile phones have had an earthquake early alert system implemented since 2007 that sounds like a warning just before an earthquake occurs. The “3rd Eye Drone System” uses infrared light to find people, helping to pinpoint their location and state of health. Rescue teams have access to this information, which enables them to arrive at the scene quickly.
Tohoku University developed a system estimating the altitude, distance, population within range, and extent of building destruction done by incoming tsunamis after earthquakes and communicating this data within minutes.
Thailand uses flood mitigation technologies inspired by Japan’s innovations. Turkey and Chile have also imported seismic control and tsunami protection. Pakistan witnessed a “monsoon on steroids” in 2022’s summer, triggering a flood catastrophe. Pakistan can learn much from Japan by finding digital solutions to lessen disaster impact.
