Jamaica 2030: A Strategy For Developed Country Status

In order for Jamaica to transition from a Developing Country to a Developed Country it will be highly necessary to create a Knowledge based society, the inability to seriously overcome this challenge will mean Jamaica will be in transition to a developed country for an infinite number of years. The thinking here is nothing new as the Newly Industrialized Countries (NIC s) of S. E. Asia discovered this 15-20 years ago and much of their successes can be accredited to the building of strong Knowledge based economies, they have now mastered the Knowledge Based concept and their societies are now moving in the direction of Network societies- the latest 21st century paradigm. In Jamaica, the government speaks to this in a limited way in their Public Sector Modernisation Vision And Strategy 2002-2012 September 2002, by outlining their approach over a ten-year period as follows: In order to achieve good governance the government have set the following strategic objectives: Creation of a Knowledge Society, which is fundamental to informed decision-making and concerted action, by: · Facilitating access to information through all available media. Publishing better designed and user-friendly brochures on policy, procedures and government services · Putting in place systems and structures to effectively implement the requirements of the Access to Information Act. Appointing dedicated liaison officers to provide information to the public in all departments and other agencies. However, to complement this a similar commitment from the Private sector in Jamaica will be necessary. At this time this is not self-evident. The concept of the Knowledge society needs to be better articulated by the Information Ministry Of The Government and as such one could draw the conclusion the Information Ministry itself is not truly aufait with the concept and as such they enunciate but they need to articulate strongly in order to facilitate rapid progress in this area. Economic research on knowledge comes in various forms. For example, there has been much research on the importance of human capital, in terms of education and/or skills, to economic growth. Similarly, research has been conducted on innovation and research and development (R&D) that lead to new technology, which ultimately leads to increases in output per capita. In addition, there has been some focus on the effects of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the flow of knowledge and information and its ultimate effect on economic growth The literature speaks to four preconditions that lead to knowledge becoming an effective engine of growth. These are: An economic and institutional regime to provide incentives for the efficient use of existing and new knowledge and the flourishing of entrepreneurship. An educated and skilled population to create, share, and use knowledge well. A dynamic information infrastructure to facilitate the effective communication, dissemination, and processing of information. An efficient innovation system of firms, research centers, universities, consultants, and other organizations to tap into the growing stock of global knowledge, assimilates and adapt it to local needs, and create new technology. However, in order to satisfy these preconditions a seven(7) point strategy will have to be adopted as follows: · Social Development · The Environment · Poverty · Sustainable Economic Development · Competitive Strategy · Modernization Of State · Regional Integration Strategy This document will examine this 7-point strategy as it applies to Jamaica. Realistically, if Jamaica were to adopt this seven-point strategy in 2005, we would not achieve Developed Country status until 2030. As such, Jamaica would not become a developed country until 2030. Political independence was achieved in 1962. The final step, Economic Independence can be achieved by 2030.