Technology is a key driver of economic and social development in the 21st century. Technology can create new opportunities for innovation, productivity, and inclusion, as well as address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, such as poverty, climate change, and health. However, technology can also pose some risks and challenges, such as digital divide, cybercrime, social media abuse, and cultural erosion. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of technology on different aspects of society and how to harness its potential for positive outcomes.
Nepal is a developing country in South Asia that has witnessed a rapid growth of technology adoption in the past few decades. According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, the internet penetration rate in Nepal reached 78.9 percent in December 2022, up from 19.7 percent in December 2012. Similarly, the mobile penetration rate in Nepal reached 133.8 percent in December 2022, up from 67.9 percent in December 2012. Technology has enabled Nepali people to access various services and information, such as education, health, finance, entertainment, and e-commerce, through online platforms and applications.
However, there are also challenges associated with the implementation and use of technology in Nepal. Some of these challenges include:
- Infrastructure: Nepal lacks adequate and reliable infrastructure to support the widespread and efficient use of technology. For instance, Nepal faces frequent power cuts, low internet speed and quality, poor road connectivity, and limited access to electricity and internet in remote and rural areas. These factors limit the availability and affordability of technology for many Nepali people and businesses.
- Regulation: Nepal lacks effective and updated regulation to ensure the security, privacy, and rights of Nepali people who use technology. For example, Nepal does not have a comprehensive data protection law or a cybercrime law that can protect Nepali people from data breaches, identity theft, fraud, hacking, or cyberattacks. Moreover, Nepal does not have a clear policy or framework to regulate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, or biotechnology.
- Education: Nepal lacks adequate education and skills development to equip Nepali people with the knowledge and competencies to use technology effectively and responsibly. For instance, Nepal faces a shortage of qualified teachers, curricula, and resources to teach digital literacy and skills to students at all levels of education. Moreover,Nepal faces a gap between the demand and supply of skilled workers in the tech sector,such as software developers,engineers,and managers.Despite these challenges,technology also offers many opportunities for Nepal to overcome its development constraints and achieve its goals. Some of these opportunities include:
- Innovation: Technology can foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nepal by providing access to new ideas,tools,and markets. Technology can enable Nepali people to create new or improved products,services,or solutions that address local or global needs and challenges. Technology can also generate value and impact for Nepali society and economy by creating jobs,income,and growth.
- Inclusion: Technology can promote social inclusion and empowerment in Nepal by providing access to information,opportunities,and services for marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Technology can enable Nepali people to participate in decision-making,governance,and civic engagement through online platforms and applications. Technology can also reduce inequalities and disparities among Nepali people by enhancing their education,health,and livelihoods.
- Resilience: Technology can enhance environmental resilience and sustainability in Nepal by providing access to data,knowledge,and solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Technology can enable Nepali people to monitor,predict,and respond to natural disasters,such as floods landslides,or earthquakes. Technology can also support green growth and development in Nepal by reducing greenhouse gas emissions,waste generation,and resource consumption.
Technology is a powerful force that can shape and transform Nepali society in various ways. Technology can bring both challenges and opportunities for Nepal depending on how it is implemented and used. Therefore,it is important for Nepal to adopt a holistic and strategic approach to technology development that considers the needs,preferences,and values of Nepali people as well as the potential risks,benefits,and impacts of technology on different aspects of society. By doing so,Nepal can harness the power of technology to achieve its vision of becoming a prosperous,inclusive,and resilient nation by 2030.