Haider A. Khan

This book offers a broad and multidisciplinary guide to the economic, social and development challenges facing modern Africa. It seeks out innovative solutions to Africa’s development issues that look beyond the current policy landscapes and conventional methodologies. By tracking the diverse historical, economic and social trajectories of Africa, based on academic as well as deep personal experiences across the continent, during the 21st century, the specific natures of African economies and societies are highlighted and recommendations for addressing the challenges with refreshing approaches discussed in great detail. The recommended courses for Africa's development paths in the 21st century are found within education, innovation, finance, agriculture, health, economic, political and social stability, comprehensive quantitative or general equilibrium modeling, technological development and lessons from Asian success stories. This book will be of interest to students, researchers, and policymakers interested in development studies, in general or African economies, specifically, through deep, wide and knowledgeable insights.

This book explores the notion of a technological system and more specifically the distinction between modern and traditional technological systems. Using highly disaggregated data for a range of sectors and developing countries we have applied this distinction to micro - as well as macro-economic policy issues. By identifying distinct systems of technology in a multisectoral model of the economy we have been able to quantify certain aspects of those systems within a rigorous conceptual framework. The relationship between income distribution, the choice of technology and its subsequent impact is examined in detail.

How can developing nations achieve cohesive national innovation systems which provide the foundations for technological progress and economic growth? In answer to this question, Technology, Development and Democracy examines the possibility of studying innovation systems using a unified approach drawing on economic, political, sociological and cultural factors and addresses the problematic concept of progress in the postmodern era. Haider Khan expresses the search for high technology as the search for 'positive feedback loop innovation systems' (POLIS). In the first part of the book the conditions for POLIS are explored both in theory and using empirical evidence. The author examines the theoretical arguments which describe an innovation system as a complex and uncertain evolutionary process. He uses empirical evidence to illustrate these arguments and examines whether South Korea's pursuit of high technology has led to the creation of a 'positive feedback loop innovation system'. The second part of the book extends the analysis of the economics of POLIS and discusses the implications of high technology systems for the polity and society at large. It also pursues some of the normative issues raised by high technology, particularly the relationship between economy and democracy. Technology, Development and Democracy will be invaluable to students and academics with an interest in economic development, technological change and political economy.