Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

Achieving sustainable economic growth and enhancing human welfare has been the primary concern for Governments and policymakers across different countries over time. We have been witnessing an unprecedented technological race for the past few decades wherein the frontrunner countries are making exorbitant gains and success. Therefore, technological inequalities are increasing among nations, leading to economic and social disparities. Henceforth, the latecomer countries are getting increasingly concerned about finding the ways and means to leapfrog to catch up with the frontrunner countries, for which the usual strategy is to build innovation capabilities: first through imitation, buying technologies and assimilating knowledge to transform later to a stage of contributing in technological advancements.

But this process is very complex and uncertain; that depends immensely on the nature of indigenous human capital. Human beings have an intrinsic ability and capacity to generate new ideas for innovation and increase production and productivity given the necessary enabling environment. Therefore, investment in building human capabilities through conducive institutional changes can play a significant role in building innovation capabilities for economic growth, mainly in latecomer countries. Over the years, many countries have increased their attention towards enhancing human capital with the aim of inculcating necessary knowledge and skills amongst the masses. However the fear of advancing technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet of things etc. are posing numerous challenges for the countries engaged mainly in the production of low-value-added products and redundant processes. We have also been finding transformation in the knowledge-generating systems. Along with increasing investment in public education systems, the doors have increasingly been open for the private players; raising concerns of inclusiveness and affordability. Technological unemployment, contractual employment and informalisation of jobs are changing the nature of the labour market in different sectors and countries. Given these broader aspects, the session will focus on the dynamics of technological advancements and their impact on employment possibilities and skill needs, mainly in the countries of the Global South.