Control vs. Use: The Dilemma of Knowledge-based Economies in the Periphery

• In Event: 540 - Section on Science, Knowledge, and Technology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 06. Knowledge Economies and Commerce

Abstract

Knowledge-Based Economies (KBEs) have emerged as the new development paradigm—in particular, as a way for resource-poor countries to overcome their handicaps and achieve development. Unfortunately, whereas KBEs in the core are defined by the control and innovation of knowledge and technology, when they are marketed to/deployed in the periphery and semi-periphery, they primarily become about the use of imported technology. This maintains a dependent relationship between the producers (controllers) of knowledge and technology and those who use it. It also raises a larger question about what development paradigms are. The argument here is that development paradigms represent the core’s consensus about why it is developed; accordingly, descriptions of the core’s success are erroneously presented as mechanisms for development. In other words, development paradigms confuse historical descriptions of “developed” countries with mechanisms for development. Examples from CARICOM nations’ offshore banking, telecommunications, and online gaming industries will serve as our guide.

Author

• David Valentine Bernard, University of the West Indies