The Asia Society derives its prestige from its record of regularly bringing together the best minds from around the world for a stimulating exchange of views on issues of great relevance to Asia and the rest of the international community. I congratulate the organizers for both the theme of this conference and for choosing India to organize it in. It is difficult to talk about the future of technology, when we can barely keep track of its present developments. Friends, it is not often that we come across a debate focusing on Asia s technology future.
Conventional wisdom perceives creation of technology to be the preserve of America and Europe.
In contrast, Asia was generally considered to be a recipient and consumer of technology, and not its creator. The past few decades have changed this notion. Most parts of Asia have overcome the historical disabilities caused by their colonial legacy. Many Asian countries have not only made remarkable progress in industrialization, but have also embraced the Knowledge Revolution. They have been able to liberate themselves from poverty and underdevelopment within a generation or two, thanks primarily to their rapid ascent along the technology curve.