Leapfrogging
Using named examples, assess the effectiveness of technological leapfrogging in contributing to the development process. [15]
Technological leapfrogging is the process of using a technology without making the use of the precursor technologies. E.g. using mobile phones without previously using a landline.
When a country is developing, a key part of the development is how technically advanced they are. i.e. a country is more likely to develop more if they have a good level of technology. An example of this is in Nigeria; due to the fact that Nigeria is a vast country, the installation of cables for landlines would take a long time and cost a lot of money. Instead installing a few radio masts that would emit signal for mobile phones all across the country would be more cost-effective and up to date. Furthermore through the grameen banking app, people can take out a small loan that will enable them to buy a good which will enable them to start a business e.g. $40 will allow a farmer to buy a goat to start a goat milk business.
Another key idea of leapfrogging is making the use of resources around you. i.e. in less developed areas of the world where there are long hours of sunlight, making use of the sun for solar power to charge electrical goods is another form of technological leapfrogging as the stage of using power-lines to distribute power that has been generated elsewhere has been bypassed. This appropriate technology is very good for countries in the Sahel region in which there is a lot of intense sunlight. For example in South Sudan (one of the world’s poorest nations) a solar powered laptop can be bought by a school for around $100. This would enable the schoolchildren to have a better education and, in turn, enable them to get better jobs in the future to thus boost the economy of the country.
Another energy related example of technological leapfrogging is the Desertec project. This is a large-scale megaproject which involves using strategically placed
Technological leapfrogging is the process of using a technology without making the use of the precursor technologies. E.g. using mobile phones without previously using a landline.
When a country is developing, a key part of the development is how technically advanced they are. i.e. a country is more likely to develop more if they have a good level of technology. An example of this is in Nigeria; due to the fact that Nigeria is a vast country, the installation of cables for landlines would take a long time and cost a lot of money. Instead installing a few radio masts that would emit signal for mobile phones all across the country would be more cost-effective and up to date. Furthermore through the grameen banking app, people can take out a small loan that will enable them to buy a good which will enable them to start a business e.g. $40 will allow a farmer to buy a goat to start a goat milk business.
Another key idea of leapfrogging is making the use of resources around you. i.e. in less developed areas of the world where there are long hours of sunlight, making use of the sun for solar power to charge electrical goods is another form of technological leapfrogging as the stage of using power-lines to distribute power that has been generated elsewhere has been bypassed. This appropriate technology is very good for countries in the Sahel region in which there is a lot of intense sunlight. For example in South Sudan (one of the world’s poorest nations) a solar powered laptop can be bought by a school for around $100. This would enable the schoolchildren to have a better education and, in turn, enable them to get better jobs in the future to thus boost the economy of the country.
Another energy related example of technological leapfrogging is the Desertec project. This is a large-scale megaproject which involves using strategically placed