Asian Angle | This constant mistrust of Chinese science and technology must be countered
- China’s contribution in these areas will shape the next 50 years and its innovations are needed for the good of humanity
- China should not be bullied by the West, but it can counter its demonisation with transparency, talent management and improved standards of English
Many of us in the arenas of science and technology have lost sight of the purpose of science and technological development. Human advances in science and technology over the past 20 years have exceeded the expectations of most of us who entered these fields. However, due to technological overreach, we can now reshape almost everything. We are reshaping the planet and the planetary boundaries with our incursions into natural systems.
Those involved in this incredibly important endeavour of human progress need to ask a fundamental governance question: What is scientific and technological development for?
Science and technology are not ends in themselves; they are meant to serve a purpose. A key governance challenge for any association involved in science and technology, whether in research or application, is to ask: What we are trying to achieve? What purpose are we trying to further?
Just because we have the technical and scientific ability to do something does not make it necessary. Technology and science should not get a free pass just because it helps make money and adds to old-fashioned economic metrics such as GDP growth. Deploying science and technology, spurred by the profit motive that demands a certain rate of return, is a very bad idea.
