In today’s digital era of technological advancements, multifarious innovations around the globe are taking place at remarkable pace. Such developments draw our attention towards global tech hubs where world experts and high ranked professionals are working to bring revolutionary technologies that are ultimately benefiting the economy of countries and enhancing various industries in their capabilities. The universally accepted definition of tech hubs is that they are defined as the communities which aim to bring innovation to companies that are functioning on the basis of technology to advance the world in all aspects of life and invites like-minded individuals to utilize their ideas in future developmental projects such as automated machineries providing ease and comfort to millions and billions around the world.
There are various reasons why tech hubs are growing rapidly and are essential to the world. The tech hubs around the world encourage the sharing of knowledge as experts around the world work together to share their expertise and gain utmost knowledge. Secondly, their sole purpose is to bring together the top talented individuals around the world due to presence of high ranked universities and well reputed institutions. They are also beneficial for the purpose of networking as they aim to provide platforms for building relationships which ultimately help in startup projects. Tech hubs play a momentous role in supporting the start ups by providing basic facilities at the very early stage which include mentorship, funding and office spaces which pave way towards business start ups in future.
Silicon Valley is the world’s foremost technological hub which is located in California, USA and is home to various technological companies including Apple, Google and Facebook that are crucially important in day to day functioning of life. The Silicon Valley name was coined due to presence of silicon transistors in large number which are essential components in manufacturing of the modern microprocessors. The Silicon Valley emphasizes prime focus on innovation, creative ideas and collaborative approaches that play crucial role in attracting significant capital investment ultimately opening ways for funding startups in order to help them begin their large-scale projects. The presence of universities like Stanford and Berkeley University in Silicon Valley gives it access to highly skilled and professional graduates holding potential to contribute immensely in technological projects. It is home to 407,810 tech workers receiving annual wages up to $185,425.
On the other hand, China is also emerging as technologically advanced country in rivalry with United States as both the countries perceive that being technologically independent is the only way to sustain their national security and economic progress which is why they have been engaged in multifarious conflicts in fields of 5G technological development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) supremacy and manufacturing of integral semiconductors. The United States using its global power has imposed various sanctions on tech giants of China such as Hawaii causing hindrance in exports of various technologies. Shenzhen is the largest technological hub in China which is often termed as Silicon Valley of hardware as it largely manufactures various components supplied to entire world making it the largest supplier of the consumer electronics. The Chinese government has invested profoundly in Shenzhen in form of funding for developmental projects and provision of incentives for tech companies. It is strongly believed that faults in Shenzhen will cause serious disruptions in global supply chains.
There are also certain tech hubs in the process of emerging as great tech giants. The major examples in this regard are the tech hubs of the mid-west including Chicago and Detroit that work on the principal of low-cost investments to excel in field of technology. They have established the record of creating high number of jobs as Detroit has provided 180,000 high tech jobs but still there is strong possibility that they may decline due to certain challenges in the way mainly the issue of retaining the high skilled and professional graduate pose great threat to their stability. Another major challenge faced is racial discrimination in Chicago in having access to opportunities and developmental resources. The only solution lies in addressing these issues which will help Chicago and Detroit to foster progressive tech ecosystem. Another important aspect is to foster co-operation between global tech giant across borders to expand partnerships and network access innovation and further growth in technological field.
Tech Hubs, while excelling in the field of innovations and driving immense economic growth must ensure to inculcate ethical considerations in development projects in order to ensure that their applications are in the utmost interest of the society providing them with multifarious benefits. Tech hubs must consider the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy and Cyber Security which is necessary to eradicate any kind of political abuses and disparity practices from the society to protect its core values and ideals. Tech hubs need to co operate and collaborate with numerous stakeholders including government officials and civil society members to drive policies and outcomes promoting ethical development. Ethical consideration is necessary to ensure the trust of public and sustainable future growth. World’s highly recognized company Apple headquartered in Silicon Valley has developed its privacy policies which ensure user’s security. Secondly AI Ethics labs in Boston are working to achieve ethical considerations in AI manufactured robots to provide ease to society. Israel is also going at a rapid in developing ethical considerations as it is working on the telemedicine platforms which guarantee the protection of patient’s privacy and security.
The writer is undergraduate student at School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad. She can be reached at saramustafaa27@gmail.com .
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