By Eng. JULIUS KAZEMBE-LUNGU
MORE often than not, we tend to forget to appreciate the gadgets around us that have made life so much easier, bearable and somewhat efficient.
These gadgets (too numerous to mention) have come as a result of technology and innovation.
One may ask what is technology? Technology according to common definition is the collection of techniques, methods or processes used in the production of goods or services in the accomplishment of objectives.
Philosopher Brian Arthur defined technology as “a means to fulfil a human purpose.”
The end result of these technologies can be machines, computers, devices and factories, which can be operated by individuals without detailed knowledge of the workings of such things.
From time immemorial, man has strived to better the standard of living by inventing tools and gadgets that to this day continue to be improved upon.
By rubbing two sticks to light a fire to cook and keep warm, the wheel, the telephone, the printing press, aeroplane, computer, weaponry to present day 3D printers and such alike, man has and continues to use and advance technology.
The United Kingdom’s 18th century saw the ushering in of the industrial revolution which was a period of great technological discovery in manufacturing, mining, metallurgy, transport and agriculture. Technology is often a consequence of science and engineering.
We need to embrace technology to increase productivity and efficiency but this should however not replace human resource as feared by many. The so called robots should not replace humans but instead improve efficiency.
We are now able to build skyscrapers mainly due to advancement in building technology and the same goes for building of bridges across wide rivers and channels.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) has played a key part in the rapid development of the world at large and has lessened the barriers to human interaction through the creation of the internet and information age which has helped spawn sub-cultures such as social media.
Advanced technologies in the health care have helped prolong life expectancy and general wellbeing. From the humble thermometer invented using mercury to the present day computer axial tomography (CAT-Scan or simply CT Scan) equipment through technology has played a vital role in diagnosing illnesses and diseases and continues to do so.
Technology has also played a vital role in fighting crime and other such vices through the use of closed circuit televisions (CCTv), electronic sensors and burglar alarms. The invention of the modern day clock or watch in the 16th century has greatly improved on how man organises life in general by being able to plan and schedule activities.
Here at home we need to strengthen institutions such as The National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) which must in turn work with training institutions and industry to turn ideas or concepts into workable businesses and help create job opportunities especially among the youth and the less skilled in our society.
We should also seriously look at embracing technology transfer or transfer of technology (TOT). The wheel has already been invented and so what we need to do is to partner with our colleagues in countries such as India and China and learn from them and import appropriate technology that would suit our environment.
Suffice to say not all technology is good for humanity. In nuclear physics we have seen the rise of nuclear weapons and also biochemical weapons which threaten the very existence of man. Genetic engineering and cloning are some aspects of technology that have raised ethical as well as moral issues.
The tragic incident and disappearance of Malaysian Airline flight MH370 – and our collective unease at the apparent lack of an explanation despite all the technology at our disposal – has been a reminder of how much we expect from our technology, and perhaps how much we take it for granted. This only goes to show that technology has its limitations.
The future is awash with technology, what is a matter of science fiction today will most likely be reality in tomorrow’s world.
Technology, of course, isn’t inherently good or bad: its impact depends on how it is used. But we should be careful not to embrace a new system without careful thought about its full impact and the introduction of proper safeguards; otherwise we risk a slide into a dystopian nightmare.
*Eng. Julius Kazembe-Lungu is Technical Director, JKL-Associates.
