25 March 2023

Table of Content

 Technology and InnovationReport2023

GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published the Technology and Innovation Report 2023, which warns that unless the government and international community act now, many developing countries won't benefit from the "green tech" revolution, which could worsen the economic inequality between developed and developing countries.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Green technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and electric vehicles are currently benefiting developed countries more than developing ones, which may further deepen the economic gap between nations.
• The report shows that a technological revolution is starting based on green technologies, which will have a huge impact on the global economy.
• The report identifies 17 frontier technologies that have the potential to generate over $9.5 trillion in revenue by 2030, creating significant economic opportunities.

• These technologies include artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data, blockchain, 5G, 3D printing, robotics, drone technology, solar photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, biofuels, biogas and biomass, wind energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, nanotechnology and gene editing.

• Without decisive action from governments and international organizations, developing countries may miss out on these economic benefits, leading to a worsened global economic inequality.
• The report stresses the importance of technology transfer and investment in green tech in developing countries to address the green tech divide and promote equitable access to the benefits of new technologies to ensure a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.
• It calls for a global framework for innovation that prioritizes social and environmental needs while fostering innovation and growth.
• The report emphasizes the importance of developing local innovation and technology capabilities in developing countries to ensure that they can participate in the green tech revolution and benefit from it.

Key recommendations 

• The report suggests several recommendations to address the deepening green tech divide between the global north and south.
• Developing countries need to invest in research and development, as well as education and training, to build capacity for the development and deployment of green technologies.
• Governments should implement policies that support the transfer of technology and encourage international cooperation in research and development.
• Public and private sectors should collaborate to create innovative financing mechanisms to help developing countries adopt green technologies.
• Governments should prioritize renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture to promote the use of green technologies.
• Multilateral institutions should support developing countries in adopting and deploying green technologies, and help them participate in global value chains.
• The international community should work together to establish a framework for global technologygovernance that promotes cooperation, equity, and inclusivity.

India's Progress and Challenges in Green Technologies Adoption: UNCTAD Report

• India is one of the few developing countries to have made strides in renewable energy adoption and technological innovation, but the country is still lagging behind in other areas.
• According to the report, India has made progress in digital infrastructure, renewable energy capacity, and electric vehicle deployment.
• However, India still lags behind in some of the critical green technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, which can potentially limit the country's access to the economic benefits of the green tech revolution.
• The report highlights the need for developing countries, including India, to prioritize the development of green technologies and build the necessary infrastructure to support the adoption of these technologies.
• India remains the greatest performer, ranking at 67 positions better than expected, followed by the Philippines (54 positions better) and Vietnam (44 better).

UNCTAD

• UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental organization.
• It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. 
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland, with additional offices in New York and Addis Ababa. 

• The first United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was held in Geneva in 1964.

• As a part of the UN Secretariat, UNCTAD is accountable to the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, but the organization has its own leadership, budget, and membership. 

• UNCTAD is also a member of the United Nations Development Group.

• Objective: To encourage sustainable development, especially in developing countries, by promoting international trade, investment, finance, and technology transfer. 
• The organization's work is concentrated on four primary areas, which are trade and development, investment and enterprise, technology and innovation, and macroeconomics and development policies.

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