TWC lesson 3

Our 3rd TWC session started off with a an interesting video about the global imbalance in consumption trends and the need for sustainable development. A key point raised in the start of the video which caught my attention is  the scene in which the government is seen trying to serve the Corporation. I really have to disagree with this view, especially in light of the past financial crisis. On the Contrary, governments have found themselves having to intervene and bail out large corporations (such as Citibank, AIG, General motors ) this has resulted in the rise of "Big government " in the recent decade as government finds itself getting more involved in the private sector and the also in the rebirth of industrial policies Interestingly, I do feel that this is better, government intervention is for example, necessary to correct externalities such as climate change. hence the increasing involvement of government in business in the recent years may actually allow the government to steer the development of countries in the correct path, instead of the market driven path which may not be correct way forward as it usually sacrifices environmental well being for economic development. This leads to what we were talking about in class : that the old industrial model of economic development vs environmental well being transition to the sustainable industrial model of economic development and environmental well being. The presentations and discussions that followed encompassed technologies that can help meet the drive to achieving this goals.

        In the second part of the class ,we covered the topic : Technology and Innovation Management

In this part of the class, we were introduced firstly to Shai landscape model of technology : conceptual framework which introduced us to valley, summit and cloud opportunities. Another interesting idea presented to us was the research, development and application ( R D A ) process. A key takeaway about this session of class was this  RDA process which shows that while research may yield good ideas and technology, The key challenge lies in developing these technologies and applying. What also noteworthy is the different skillsets involved along the process. With the Research end being more scientific and the application asepcts focusing more on management and business development

      An issue that I wished could have been covered in more detail would have been discussed in further detail would be the viability of government policies in promoting sustainable development. It is my personal belief that governments play an even more vital role in promoting sustainable development then technology or the free market itself as the only a the government has the power in terms of legislative measures and economic incentives or deterrents to force  the free market to adopt the proper technologies and practices to head down the path of sustainable development.

Class rating : 7 /10