The genius and or bright minds may be born in most unexpected places. With access to education and proper training they may become masters of the most challenging subjects and become future genius capable to drive research, innovation and development of next generation smart technologies.
Especially over the last 100 years, wars have tended to accelerate technological development. (The number of technological innovations that World War I, World War II, and the Cold War sparked is astonishing. Even today, national security budgets continue to play a big role in technological development.) It would take a cynic to suggest that we owe all our inspirations to conflict; but, it is a curious (and sad) fact of "modern" societies that civilian life is in such large part powered by the technology of war. (Interestingly, empirical research concerned with the causal effect of war on innovation is scarce.)
Especially over the last 100 years, wars have tended to accelerate technological development. (The number of technological innovations that World War I, World War II, and the Cold War sparked is astonishing. Even today, national security budgets continue to play a big role in technological development.) It would take a cynic to suggest that we owe all our inspirations to conflict; but, it is a curious (and sad) fact of "modern" societies that civilian life is in such large part powered by the technology of war. (Interestingly, empirical research concerned with the causal effect of war on innovation is scarce.)
The Wars however that it is called Cold, or confrontation, generate an enviroment where the big minds are confuse, new tecnologies for the well or war?, tha goverment decide, everyone in everywhere pretends a society in pace....
Dear Dr. Babulak,
Fascinating question. Congrats!
To what extent may the global politics, potential cold war and economic differences impact search for genius and bright minds worldwide?
Well, if we remind that so many Germany scientists went to the USA after the II W W, and caused a significant change in the Aerospatiale program, this question takes even more relevance.
And as you´ve rightly said: "The genius and or bright minds may be born in most unexpected places." and "With access to education and proper training they may become masters of the most challenging subjects and become future genius capable of driving research, innovation, and development of next-generation smart technologies." So my natural feeling is that the search for geniuses and bright minds will be significant.
Indeed, so many countries (like mine, I would say) are suffering the so-called "Brain-drain" because there are no opportunities in the 3rd world and the 1st word offers excellent options to scientists and other brilliant minds.
My best wishes.
Prof. Hess
Babulak,
Exceptional people are born everywhere and more so this days with the lowered barriers to knowledge provided by technology (this is a statement which is relative to other periods, not an absolute). Let us start with the point you mentioned on economic differences. The asymmetries among economies can be triggers for relocation. Talent will move to match the economic opportunities available depending on the mobility of the individual. global politics and potential cold war can give way to protectionist stances which will limit the mobility to the best economies. Also , cold wars can also trigger limitations in communication amongst members in their respective countries.
Migratory patterns will make finding talent a moving target and also more difficult if protectionist limitations are engaged. From the perspective of the less developed economy there will be tremendous impact on talent since the chances of providing competitive opportunities for native individuals will be challenging.
Let us be clear about conflict, in that although it may stimulate intellectual exceptionism, it equally depletes it, certainly if global disagreements disintegrate into wars.
The Ist and 2nd World Wars decimated European talent. The great 20th century physicists and writers were usually born before the wars, or were too young to fight when they occurred. Stalin, who focused largely on the talented in his murderous pogroms, depleted Russian intelligence. Is this now happening in Syria?
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Econ
- Innovation Economics
- Innovation