Disruptive Technologies and innovations to reduce poverty

Bangalore, Jan 18 (UNI) Disruptive technologies and multi-disciplinary approach questioning the ideas of 20th century were required to promote technological as well as social innovations to end poverty in India, Knowledge Commission Chairman Sam Pitroda said here today Speaking at the plenary session on ''The Innovation Imperative: New Models, New Ideas'' at the CII Partnership Summit 2007 here, he said the tools for the new century should be different in a developing country like India. ''Social innovations are equally critical to improve the quality of life of 400 million-odd Indians living in poverty,'' he added.

He pointed out that disruptive technologies of the past such as transistor, fibre optics, microprocessors, and software have created more opportunities and increased the productivity. In the next 25 years, technologies such as internet and biotech would create new opportunities.

Mr Pitroda also emphasised on the need for innovations in the delivery of government services. ''Global leaders are still living in the era of 'command and control' without understanding the new paradigm of 'coordination and communication' that would create openness, democracy, decentralization, transparency and innovative mindset'' he pointed out.

''As for social innovations, we must introduce radical changes in education. Instead of teachers focusing largely on creating and delivering content they should be encouraged to take on the role of mentors. Innovations in Government functioning were equally critical,'' he added.

Elaborating on the factors that drive the need for creative and innovative technologies, Secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion said new products were being made available continuously to cater to the changing demands of the customers specially from the young consumers. With increasing competition, industry was keen on cost cutting measures to improve the bottom line. There was a need for energy conservation, amidst rising energy cost. Socially, there was a need to make the growth process more inclusive, he added.

He said that innovations were not limited to technology but it covered all sections of the society including the government. There was a need for government to innovate in the areas of service delivery, financing models and land acquisitions.

UNI