The 21st century saw rapid technological advancement to the extent that it influences all fields today. As stated by Bill Gates the co-founder of Microsoft, “We are changing the world with technology,” innovative technologies possess coherence and novelty, bearing the potential to substantially influence the socio-economic domains of modern states.
Some popular technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT), Cyberspace, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Blockchain, Autonomous Weapon Systems, and Robotics. While the first-world countries are ahead in this technological race, south Asian nations are too striving to acquire sophisticated technologies ultimately impacting their strategic landscape.
By bridging the digital and real world, emerging technologies solve complex statistical problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers and allow controlling, monitoring, and optimization of physical processes remotely. These technologies enabled tremendous progress in economic and social domains; the global IoT market is expected to value around $650.6 billion by 2026, the global quantum technology market is expected to value at $106 billion by 2040, while the Global McKinsey Institute predicts that generative AI is expected to offer a boost ranging from $17.1 trillion to $ 25.6 trillion to the global economy. Similarly, the blockchain supply market is expected to increase to $75.4 billion in 2032.
Pakistan and other developing states in South Asia are taking several initiatives to follow in the footsteps of major powers. Bangladesh laid out its vision for a smart Bangladesh through its “Vision 2041”. A main tenet of this vision is to transform the country into a digital and knowledge-based economy by utilizing emerging technologies.
It is a growing belief that the future of defence depends on the application of innovative technologies.
Furthermore, Nepal is employing emerging technologies to position digital development as the key factor of growth. Initiatives like the Digital Nepal Framework (DNF) are aimed at endorsing innovation and collaboration in the private sector. In addition, there is immense potential for the employment of innovative technologies for disaster management and reduction in Nepal.
Moreover, Bhutan is actively adopting digital technologies to improve the lives of its people. The identity system in Bhutan, launched in 2023 is set to transform fields like finance, commerce and delivery of public service. The Digital Drukyul Flagship (DDF) program is credited for contributing to the development of the digital ecosystem.
Similarly, Maldives is prioritizing strengthening its digital infrastructure and connectivity as listed in its National Resilience and Recovery Plan 2019-2023. World Bank financed initiative the Digital Maldives for Adaptation, Decentralization and Diversification is aimed at enabling better broadband connectivity, strengthening digital infrastructure, and employing digital technologies to tackle climate change. Besides, the Sri Lankan President’s manifesto enlists turning Sri Lanka into a technology-based society as a key national ambition.
Employment of emerging technologies in other South Asian states has mostly been limited to certain fields of economic or social development. However, India and Pakistan have been actively incorporating emerging technologies in defence, along with economic fields. India’s internet economy is expected to reach $1 Trillion by 2030.
AI and other emerging technologies are expected to be the flag-bearers of this massive progress. India’s initiatives like the Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC), and the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Agencies (NM-QTA) boast a budget of approximately $1 billion. In addition, the Artificial Intelligence Military Council (AIMI), Land Warfare Doctrine and Defence Cyber Agency highlight India’s stride in the field.
Pakistan and India share a historic rivalry. Her defence advancements have affected the military modernization in the South Asian region since 1998. India’s initiatives highlight its aspirations to utilize emerging technologies for military purposes, which is set to disturb the strategic balance in South Asia.
Militarizing emerging technologies requires careful consideration, due to potential ramifications from unintended escalations or events. It is a growing belief that the future of defence depends on the application of innovative technologies. Dr Adil Sultan, an expert on strategic affairs states that the use of emerging technologies in limited conflicts may increase as states perceive fewer consequences compared to escalating with conventional weapons.
Although Pakistan has taken steps to utilize disruptive technologies effectively, its primary focus has been on conventional weapons, maintaining credible minimum deterrence and improving the quality of its nuclear arsenal. Pakistani leadership acknowledges the significance of emerging technologies.
The Pakistani military commands have asserted that the army’s ambition is to enhance the use of technologies to advance its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. While state initiatives highlight the recognition of the significance of advanced technologies, bridging the gap with global competitors remains integral.
Pakistan still faces challenges ranging from social and economic issues to environmental concerns. The state needs to address these problems, while strategically harnessing the potential of emerging technologies. Pakistan’s population comprises about 60 percent young people, ie people younger than 30.
This youth bulge will be a strong force if proper skills are given and opportunities are provided. In the aftermath of COVID-19, technological penetration among the public increased substantially. The number of smartphone devices in Pakistan increased at a solid pace. This increase is expected to pave the way for an environment conducive to the penetration of digital technology, ultimately paving the way for strengthening the digital economy.
Lastly, there is a need to establish research centres to address the challenges in the adoption of innovative technologies for the strategic development of Pakistan. The curricula advancement is a key factor for the institutions in Pakistan to harness the potential of emerging technologies. State industries should focus on producing innovative technologies incorporated products on indigenous levels.
The government should help academia and the private sector regarding emerging technologies. There is a need to devise regulatory frameworks to streamline the incorporation and utilization of emerging technologies in businesses. Pakistan should collaborate with developed states like China, and the USA to effectively employ emerging technologies for strategic development.
The writer is a freelance columnist.