Perspectives for a transatlantic dialogue on innovation policy: some (personal) notes

1. + Perspectives for a transatlantic dialogue on innovation policy: some (personal) notes Eduardo Beira

2. Europe EU but not only EU ... America USA but also Canada ... Transatlantic views

3. American stereotype of Europe: economically sclerotic psychologically neurotic addicted to spirit-sapping welfare schemes Freedom-infringing state European stereotype of USA: gun-slinging Bible-bashing Frankenstein-food-guzzling behemoth-driving planet-polluting politicians are mere playthings of mighty corporations Transatlantic stereotypes “Wanted: new rules of the road” The economist, 7th June 2001

4. USA New security threats from diffusion of weapons technologies Asia America Europe environment degradation continued poverty digital divide “new agenda” issues East enlargement Transatlantic priorities I H Daalder “Are the United States and Europe heading for divorce?” International Affairs, 77, 3 (2001) 529

5. USA versus EuropeEurope versus USA • same global markets • different local markets • different business models • different diversities • different “path dependancies” • History & heritage • different cultures • not antagonistic cultures • but compagnons de route after “the Holy Grail of regional competiveness and innovation policies”

6. An opportunity • Joint cooperation for CROSS CULTURAL INSIGHT • Not to replicate or to clone • But to improve each one performance • With cross cultural knowledge

7. Paradigm • Mikel Landabaso paper model • Reflections on U.S. Economic development policies: meeting the ‘new economy’ challenge • We need much more of that kind of cross cultural and comparative analysis • IST IN+ NAG study

8. Call for action #1 • A program of cross studies • about innovation policies sucess stories • and FAILURES • Study and evaluation of European cases by USA scholars • Study and evaluation of USA cases by European scholars • Joint comparative studies • Understanding the cultural issues in the innovation policies

9. Portugal • Importance of published studies about industrial change and innovation policies in small european countries • like Portugal • The exquisite case of the Portuguese footwear industry • Or the textile industry • Porter influence on Portuguese industrial policy shift

10. Africa • A fragile continent ...

11. A fragile continent ... • Between 1990 and 1998 the number of people living in poverty increased in sub-Saharian Africa from 242 to 291 million people • Life expectancy declined in 17 of 48 countries • While it went up in all developing countries • 70% of adults and 80% of children with AIDS live in Africa World Bank “Aid and reform in Africa. Lessons from ten case studies” 2000

12. A very fragile continent ... • GDP decreasing! • are some of the recoveries in the 90´s sustainable? • 2 to 3% of world FDI! • The Africa / Asia difference • Why has East Asia emerged as the model for economic success, while Africa has seen mostly poverty, hunger, and economies propped up by foreign aid? Why are East Asians now expanding their telecommunications capabilities when in most of Africa it´s still hard to make a phone call next door? K Richburg “Out of America – a black man confronts Africa” BasicBooks, 1997

13. A new hope? • Africa Renaissance • South Africa • NELSON MANDELA ! • New WB, FMI, IFC, UN, UE, ... approaches to aid

14. Two tales • Maputo (Mozambique) • MSc course in IS • Guinea-Bissao • A school in the bush, near Bafata

15. Maputo (Mozambique)

16. Primary school near Bafata

17. Call for action #2 • Joint scholar (action) research about innovative policies in Africa • How to generate and SUSTAIN innovative policies in Africa? • Is there room in Africa for some of Bengalhore paradigma? • What contributiion can IT/IS make for Africa development?

18. To help Africa • Africa for the africans! • But knowledge and support help! • “The world is washing its hands of sub-Saharan Africa, leaving its 700 million people to save themselves. They might yet succed if, like the new South Africans, they can work together”. • Helping Africa to help Africa • Access of African products to rich world markets • A key to Africa development • not aid! “So little done, so much to do” The economist, 7th June 2001

19. ? • The work force is composed of both well educated professionals, boasting bachelor and graduate degrees from universities worldwide, and unskilled workers who are hard-working and easily trainable • A peaceful country • Home of true democracy • Political climate is stable • Well connected to the world via communications as well • Government incentive package is extremely competitive • Favor investment that promotes exports or diversify the country industrial base US Embassy Official web site

20. ?? • A functioning democracy, which has made impressive political and legal reforms and entrenched the rule of law World Bank September 2000

21. ??? • An unusual record: • there is universal primary school enrolment with a teachers – pupils ratio of 1:32 • Life expectancy of 65 • Infant mortality of 40 per 10000 live births • Adult literacy of 66% R Dallas “Pocket Africa – profiles, facts and figures about Africa Today” The Economist Books, 1995

22. ???? • Republic of Cape Verde • 0.5 million people • 46% < 15 yr • 10 islands (+8) • UN group 2 HDI (rank 105 / 174)

23. software@CapeVerde • Perhaps the right location for • Prototyping remote sw and IT/IS services • In Africa • A consortium (private and public) for • Local training • Flow of demand

24. Agenda • Creating an cross cultural ideas environment • Generating ideas and knowledge • Jointly acting on ideas

25. Two purposals • Joint cross cultural scholar study of USA and European cases and policies • IC2 and IC2 fellows seems to be a right Forum for that • Joint scholar (action) research about innovation, technology and development in Africa • I hope to catch a slice of IC2 and IC2 Fellows attention for the theme • The challenge of wealth creation in Africa

26. -------------53 • Thank you !