As the world becomes increasingly digital, we cannot ignore the reality of both foreign technology and local innovation. In Africa, in Nigeria, the influence of global, often foreign technology is undeniable. However, our local culture and innovation are essential for a solid grounding and sustainability in this fluid environment. Although the benefits offered by foreign technology are significant, they cannot replace our local ingenuity and identity.
The following poem I wrote while thinking of the need for balance and to secure our future in view of recent related developments and conflicts, the nature of which are bound to occur again. It basically illustrates the danger of placing our reliance completely on external solutions. Is that sustainable, authentic or future oriented? Certainly, it serves to highlight a serious challenge that we face in the rapid pace of technological advancement.
Foreign Technology and Local Innovation:
The Poem
We, the people, have abandoned our farmlands
We forgot the hunt
as we merrily eat the fruits, yams, and chickens
of the dominant stranger who has come
into town
with bells, trumpets, and drums
dancing to his fresh and enchanting beats and rhythms
basking in the comfort he provides.
Who said the superficial cannot be sweet?
But we discover that he sucks our blood craftily.
So we demand justice
That he must restitute,
That he must repay,
with tons of large fishes and herds of prime cattle
if he wants to keep playing in our lands and selling to us.
Suddenly, the arrogant dominator
snarls, complains, and threatens to leave town.
So trembling, fear envelopes us,
Does this mean no more succulent fruits, fresh vegetables?
Will the days of dance be gone?
Will we survive?
Yet,
We forgot the hunt
We abandoned our farmlands
We lost the connection to our source
for the treats of the deadly stranger.
Unwatered lands bear no harvest.
The influence of the External
In the digital global village, global technology giants hold sway and to an extent dictate the pace. Their solutions add value and solve problems in different ways. The attraction is huge especially as local innovation still struggles to find its footing.
Foreign technology solutions come with “bells, trumpets, and drums” – it’s a promise and indeed a reality of efficiency, connectivity, and progress.
However, like the “dominant stranger who has come into town” in the poem, these solutions come with their own baggage.
We often accept them, perhaps ignorantly, because they make things easier and better. Unfortunately, we begin to neglect our own capabilities and creativity. Due to this convenience, we normalize consumption and inadvertently downplay the need for our unique cultural identity and the innovative spirit. Foreign technology and local innovation therefore demands attention.
Convenience can be Costly
Interestingly, as we “merrily eat the fruits, yams, and chickens” of foreign technology, we find ourselves increasingly dependent on these external solutions. From social media platforms that we use for personal communication, and social interactions and business transactions to foreign software that drives our activities in the private and public sectors, the dependency is undeniable.
We obviously seem to be making progress but is local innovation advancing? How loud are our own technological developments in the presence these dominant global giants?The question is: convenience, at what cost?
When we prioritize foreign technology, and neglect our local innovation and creativity, we should be aware of “the unwatered lands that bear no harvest”. It becomes difficult to depend of local inventors and entrepreneurs. What do we expect in a space dominated by global technology giants?
Foreign Technology and Local Innovation: Loss of our Culture and Authenticity
Another implication of dependence on foreign technology is that it may not cater to our own truths and culture especially since we were not involved in the development process. This is why meaningful representation has become so crucial in technology development.
Yet, we have rich local traditions and practices that can make technology development more practical and relevant to our needs. Significantly, as technology is a powerful tool for influence, we are inadvertently shaping our societies in the image of these foreign interests. “Living their lives, not our lives”. Truly, genuine independence is difficult if not impossible without technology independence.
In the digital age, are our truths, culture and realities being drowned out by the “fresh and enchanting beats and rhythms” of these dominant foreign influences? In a globally connected world we cannot behave like an island, but we must be intentional about who we are, our purpose and the progress we want to achieve.
Rediscover and Embrace Local Innovation
The poem’s refrain—”We forgot the hunt / We abandoned our farmlands”—is not defeatist but should serve as a wake-up call. The implications of continuing in this manner on autopilot with the status quo are not in our interests. And nobody will do it for us; we must do it for ourselves. In the digital world, promoting and prioritizing local innovation and creativity is in our present and long-term interest. Certainly not the continued mindless consumption of foreign technology.
We must invest in homegrown technologies, support local talent, bridge the digital divide, develop strategic partnerships, promote innovative mindsets in society (which includes having an education system that encourages critical thinking and creativity), and value our authenticity. We have no desire to be “copy and paste” cats.
Furthermore, we are not born to be consumers only; we possess talents, ideas, innovativeness, and voices that can make the world better. The dominance of foreign technology in today’s world should not stifle our local creativity, enabling us to realize our potential as a nation and positively impact the world. Progress, especially through technology, is not solely about convenience. The poem is actually urging us to strike a balance while considering our values and long-term goals.
Going Forward
In this digital era, the poem reminds us that “unwatered lands bear no harvest.” Evidently, our continued dependency is unhealthy, and this is part of the reason we are fed displays of arrogance from these foreign interests, even when they are in the wrong.
Let us rediscover the hunt. Let us tend to the farmlands. The harvest of local innovation can be not only bountiful but also meaningful, dancing to a melody that is uniquely ours.
Empathically, creating a future where our technological advancements are authentically, culturally and purpose driven is a necessity, not a luxury.
Author: Jide Awe
Science, Technology and Innovation policy advisor.
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