SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY

& KNOWLEDGE
ECONOMYthe Societal Connectivity
Foundation Day Lecture, Vigyan
Prasar
12 October 2011
Prof Ashoka Chandra

National Policy Statements

on
Science & Technology

Science Policy Resolution

1958

Science mankinds greatest

enterprise today.
Science has altered not only material
environment, but given new tools of
thought and extended mans mental
horizon. It has given civilisation a new
vitality and dynamism.
Intense cultivation of science and its
application has given to common man
unprecedented standards of living.
Scientific approach and method has
provided basis for a welfare state.

Science Policy Resolution

1958
Pace of scientific developments
increasing. India should put utmost effort
in bridging the gap.
Technology key to national prosperity;
technology the most important factor;
more important than material and capital.
Science policy aims at, interalia,:
- cultivation of science and scientific
research
- encouraging initiative, discovery,
academic freedom
- securing benefits of Scientific knowledge
for all people.

Technology Policy
Statement, 1983
Technological self-reliance
Resist imposition of technology from outside
(obsolete or unrelated to our specific
requirements).
Technology must impact on lives of ordinary
citizens.
Considerations in choice of technology
- indigenous development
- international competitiveness.
Technology advancement seen as a social
and political tool. Economic context, though
tacitly understood, is not emphasised.
Technology development and utilisation is
being seen as occurring largely in public
sector. Accordingly public policy goals are
imposed on technology.

S&T Policy, 2003

Note of growing satisfaction with the S&T
infrastructure, and technological achievements.
Science and Technology becoming more
complex, requiring large resources, multidisciplinary and multi-institutional and multicountry participation. It is no longer an
individuals enterprise; it is big corporate effort.
Knowledge as a source of economic growth and
power frontally recognized, and therefore the
IPR issues come centre stage. From an earlier
view of science being property of entire
humankind, now global view of IPR is accepted.
The previous concerns of S&T benefitting the
common man, and environmental concerns
repeated but new emphasis on creating wealth
and global competitiveness.

S&T Policy, 2003:

OBJECTIVES

To advance scientific temper, emerge as a progressive and

enlightened society, enable people to participate, and
application for human welfare.
To ensure food, agricultural, nutritional, environmental, water,
health and energy security.
Alleviation of poverty, enhancing livelihood security, reduction
of regional and rural/urban imbalances, and generation of
employment
To vigorously foster scientific research attract the brightest to
careers in science and technology, Also Centres of Excellence in
selected areas to the highest international standards.
To promote empowerment of women in S&T activities and their
full and equal participation.
To provide necessary autonomy and freedom for all academic
and R&D institutions., while ensuring social responsibilities and
commitments[c1].
To protect, preserve, evaluate, update, add value to, and utilize
the extensive knowledge acquired over the long civilisational
experience of India.
To accomplish national strategic and security related objectives.

Scientific Temper
Jawaharlal Nehru strongly believed in two
wonderful concepts; freedom of speech, and a
concept he had coined, a nation with a scientific
temper.
That term, a scientific temper is a wonderfully
succinct way to describe a broad concept. By
speaking of a nation with a scientific temper,
he wanted to speak of the people of a nation who
would be able to think independently, understand
and practice the scientific method in their daily
lives, analyse and not take statements at their
face value, and avoid simplistic reasoning.
Of course, it has been easier said than done to
create that atmosphere in a nation where
superstition, religion, rumor, myth and
innumerable beliefs abound.

Scientific Method
Scientific method consists of systematic
observation, measurement, and
experiment, and the formulation, testing,
and modification of hypotheses.
Scientific inquiry is generally intended to be as
objective as possible, to reduce biased
interpretations of results. Another basic
expectation is to document, archive and share
all data and methodology so they are available
for careful scrutiny by other scientists,
giving them the opportunity to verify results by
attempting to reproduce them.

Science Communication
Science communication generally refers to
public media aiming to talk about science with
non-scientists. This often involves
professional scientists (called 'outreach' or
'popularization') but has evolved into a
professional field in its own right. It includes
science exhibitions, science journalism, science
policy and science media production, among
other things.
Science communication can also simply describe
communication between scientists (e.g. through
scientific journals) as well as between nonscientists.

Is it Optional?
Development of Scientific temper
is a Fundamental duty of every
Indian citizen as per the
Constitution.

Fundamental Duties prescribed by the

Constitution of the nation under PART [IVA] to its every citizen
(a) To abide by the Constitution and respect its
ideals and
institutions, the National Flag and the
National Anthem.
(b) To cherish and follow the noble ideals which
inspired our
national struggle for freedom.
(c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity
and integrity
of India.
(d) To defend the country and render national
service when
called upon to do so.
(e) To promote harmony and the spirit of
common

Fundamental Duties prescribed by the

Constitution of the nation under PART [IVA] to its every citizen
(f) To value and preserve the rich heritage of our
composite
culture.
(g) To protect and improve the natural environment
including
forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have
compassion
for living creatures.
(h) To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the
spirit of
inquiry and reform.
(i) To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
(j) To strive towards excellence in all spheres of
individual and
collective activity so that the nation constantly rises
to higher
levels of endeavor and achievement.

National Commitment
reaffirmed in S&T
_Policy, 2003
Activities aimed at Science Communication and
building scientific temper are, therefore, not
just a mere desirable objective; indeed they are
a constitutional obligation, on every citizen as
well as the government.
The Government cannot simply pay lip service
to science communication; it is obligated by the
Constitution to propagate science
communication. The Government must reflect
this obligation through adequate funding and
promoting a large diversified programme. S&T
Policy, 2003, recognises it.

Conceptual Differences and

connectivity between
Science & Technology

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SCIENCE &

TECHNOLOGY

SCIENCE
Quest for understanding
objective laws governing
natural phenomena
Pursuit of truth itself;
Know-Why
Not concerned with
potential for application;
theory the raison d'tre
of science
Paradigmatic
Disseminated freely.
Published. Other
scientists are expected to
replicate & verify
findings.

TECHNOLOGY
Quest for making
directly useful
application of scientific
principles to production
Know-How
Tech has a direct
purpose in mind;
providing practical
solution raison d'tre
Ecumenical
Not disseminated freely.
Has a price attached. Is
traded. Not published.
Closely guarded.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SCIENCE &

TECHNOLOGY (CONTD)
Evaluated on intrinsic
merit; on the
explanatory merit &
theoretical elegance.
Time-frame is
medium to long term
Science seeks most
precise data to
support or refute a
hypothesis.
Science research
organisation mimics
the structure of
knowledge being
added.

Evaluated in terms of
contribution to
desired economic &
social goals
Time-frame is short;
time-targets are set
Weighs precision
against cost of
obtaining data &
other practical
concerns
Tech research
organised around
problem foci; usually
a matrix organisation

WHICH CAME FIRST

TECHNOLOGY: From instinctive adaptation
to natural environment through trial and
error; leading to crafts; leading to
technological disciplines.
SCIENCE: Modern science came much later.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY now inseparable:
Science leads to technology; technology
leads to new science; the process goes on.
The future society is one in which science
& technology will determine the direction
of socio-economic changes John Kenneth
Galbraith

 Rate of technological change is accelerating.

Half-life of technology is constantly
decreasing.
Human capacity to adjust to pace of
technological change is comparatively limited
although it is also accelerating. Mismatch
creates resistance.
Societys changing philosophical notions
about change are interesting to examine. An
important impediment in exploiting
technology for human welfare has been the
societys discomfort with pace of
technological change.

NOTIONS ABOUT
CHANGE

Parmenides:
Nothing ever changes; All change is illusory even birth
and death.
Heraclitus:
All things are constantly in the process of changing;
change is the only reality. You cannot step into the same
river twice.
Cratylus:You cannot step into the same river even once.
Oppenheimer: (in essays on Science and Society)
the world alters as we walk in it. The very notion of
change is changing. We are witnessing a change which is
not a minor reordering but of such magnitude and scope
that the very basis of society, its structure, its institutions,
its values are being altered so comprehensively in a single
life-time, that we will not, and cannot, return to the past,
to the old patterns of life and society.

Technology the dominant

driver of Economic
Growth

World Population Growth

and Major Technological
Events

Economic Models of
Growth
(1) Q = f (K,L); Earlier classical model
Robert Solow in 1957 noted that capital and Labour did not
fully account for growth (output Q) and suggested another
factor T that enhanced the productivity of K and L:
(2) Q = T f (K, L,)
However Technology was assumed to be exogenous in this
formulation. Paul Romer in 1986 noted that technology was
not exogenous but as a result of explicit effort: R&D and
Human Capital. Accordingly,
(3) T = f (R&D, HC)
Following a lot of empirical work, the new growth theory
explains growth as a function of Capital, Labour and
Technology (in terms of knowledge generation and its
accumulation in human capital : R&D, and Human Capital):
(4) Q = f (K, L, R&D, HC).

Contribution Of
Technology to Economic
Growth
1. USA (1950-80)
87%
(Chai)
2. USA (1950-80)

30-56%

(Dogramaci)

3. Japan (1955-79)

29%

(Hirano)

4. Japan (1980s)

65%

(Hirano)

Broad Consensus among all studies

Quinn estimates: Technology contributes up to 7080% of Growth in developing and developed

countries

Contribution of technology to economic growth will

TOWARDS A
KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
Knowledge economy an economy that
creates, disseminates, and uses
knowledge to enhance its growth and
development, and its competitiveness
and utilizes knowledge as a key engine
of economic growth.
KE is not just high-technology industries
or ICT. More appropriate to look broadly
an economy that harnesses and uses new
and existing knowledge to improve the
productivity of agriculture, industry, and
services, and increases overall welfare.

Knowledge Economy
Framework

(Chen & Dahlman)

An economic incentive, policy, &
Institutional regime for efficient creation,
dissemination and utilization of
knowledge;
Educated & Skilled workers capable of
upgrading and adapting continuously;
An effective innovation system of firms,
research centres, universities, consultants
and other organizations; and
A modern and adequate information
infrastructure for communication &
dissemination

NOTIONS ABOUT KNOWLEDGE

Western Tradition
In Western epistemology:
Knowledge Justified True Belief that fulfills the
truth condition (The proposition is true)
belief condition (The individual must believe that the
proposition is true)
justification condition (belief must be justified)

Pursuit of knowledge is heavily laden with

Skepticism. Everything can be questioned except the
existence of the questioner. Hence the famous phrase
by Descartes,
I think, therefore I am (cogito, ergo sum)
Search for knowledge is dictated by:
experimentation and
justification/demonstration of truth to external
observer (objective knowledge).

NOTIONS ABOUT KNOWLEDGE

Indian Tradition
Indian Philosophical tradition does not insist on
external justification.
The process of knowledge acquisition: Chintan,
Manan, Dhyan, and Darshan, does not
necessarily require experimentation and
demonstration.
A totally internal validation within knowledge
seekers own reference frame also constitutes
generation of knowledge (subjective knowledge)
Is objective knowledge alone relevant for
knowledge economy? Can subjective knowledge
also qualify?

Cultural dimension of
Knowledge Economy
The answer may well be linked to how knowledge
economy is viewed: only in terms of the three
elements of generation, dissemination, and
utilization, or broader?
Is there a cultural dimension to Knowledge
Society also? Social structures, cultural patterns,
and the value systems that provide an
environment in which knowledge economy
functions, and may determine the very nature
and ultimate success of knowledge economy, are
shaped by subjective knowledge.
In knowledge generation should utilization be a
necessary condition?

NOTIONS ABOUT
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge is a fluid mix of
framed experience, values,
contextual information, expert
insight and grounded intuition
that provides an environment
and framework for evaluating
and incorporating new
experiences and information. It
originates and is applied in the
minds of knowers.

Social Sciences &

Humanities in Knowledge
Economy

Technology is the engine of Knowledge Economy.

Sciences & Technology therefore crucial.
Social Sciences and Humanities are equally
important. Indeed knowledge of social sciences
and humanities must inform the process of
(S&T) knowledge creation, dissemination and
utilization which is at the core of Knowledge
Economy.
Ultimate object of all development is people.
Economic Development alone is not enough.
Societal development therefore a key touch
stone of the success of a Knowledge Economy.

Societal Culture
&
Science Communication

Culture
The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns,
arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of
human work and thought.
GEERT HOFSTEAD Culture is the collective programming of the human
mind that distinguishes the members of one human group from those
of another. Culture in this sense is a system of collectively held values.
EDGAR SCHEIN Culture is the deeper level of basic assumptions and
beliefs that are shared by members of an organization, that operate
unconsciously and define in a basic taken for granted fashion an
organization's view of itself and its environment.
EDWARD B. TAYLOR Culture is that complex whole which includes
knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities
and habits acquired by man as a member of society.
CLIFFORD GEERTZ Culture is a historically transmitted pattern of
meanings embodied in symbols, a system of inherited conceptions
expressed in symbolic forms by means of which men communicate,
perpetuate, and develop their knowledge about and attitudes towards
life.

Science Communication &

Culture Interface
Human societies have developed their
cultural systems based on observation
over millennia, accumulated empirical
knowledge, passed them on through
tradition, and converted them into
beliefs and values.
You cannot run head-long into cultural
systems even if some beliefs and
values are non-scientific.
Do not be a Bull-in China-shop.

Some strategies
Reduce impedance mismatch.
Slow, gradual, and repetitive
enforcement
No Chamatkars, please! Resist the
temptation of replacing chamatkars of
charlatans with scientific chamatkars.
Inform, demonstrate, and allow valueproposition of scientific knowledge to
be recognised. Technological
demonstrations could have easier
acceptance.

Some strategies
Do not reject every traditional belief.
Be Agnostic. This is scientific. There
are three states of knowledge: true,
opinion, false. A scientist does not
accept or reject any proposition
merely on belief. All three conditions
of truth in epistemology must be
satisfied. Experimentation and
justification are essential even to
reject a seemingly unscientific belief.

Thank You!