The Brain Economy: Navigating a New World

Over the past century, the nature of work has radically transformed, shifting from physical labour to skill-based labour to brain-based labour. Technology is causing this transformation and altering industries, and in order to remain globally relevant, we must adjust to this new reality. To enable fruitful discussion on the trade-offs in the brain economy, we must abandon old stereotypes of wicked businesses and embrace technology.

What does “brain economy” mean?

Economy based on knowledge: The term “Brain Economy” describes the transition to a knowledge-based economy where innovation, creativity, and the capacity to create, process, and use knowledge effectively serve as the main drivers of economic growth.

In contrast with labour intensive economy: It is often contrasted with previous economies, such as the Industrial Economy and the Agricultural Economy, which were based on physical labor and the production of tangible goods

“Every successful innovation is built on a graveyard of failures”

Unlimited Capacity of Technology

The technology will continue to advance and develop beyond just the fields of software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

It will also spread rapidly across other fields such as brain sciences, which includes the study of the brain and its functions; quantum computing, which involves the use of quantum mechanics to perform calculations; genetic engineering, which involves the manipulation of DNA to create new organisms or modify existing ones; 3D printing, which is the process of creating physical objects from digital models; nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of matter on a molecular or atomic scale.

The combination of these technologies will lead to new and innovative solutions in various industries.

Potential benefits of the brain economy

Increased Innovation: Brain-based work is about rapid innovation and creation, driven by technology. This can lead to new products, services, and technologies that can enhance people’s lives.

Higher Productivity: With advancements in technology and automation, the brain economy has the potential to significantly increase productivity and efficiency.

Improved Quality of Life: Brain-based work can create jobs that are less physically demanding and more intellectually stimulating. This can lead to an improved quality of life for those who work in the brain economy.

Economic Growth: The brain economy has the potential to fuel economic growth by creating new industries and opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Increased Collaboration: The brain economy requires collaboration across different fields, disciplines, and cultures. This can lead to increased cooperation and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.

Social Progress: Technology and brain power can be used to address social and environmental challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and healthcare.

Flexibility: With technology, brain-based work can be done from anywhere, at any time, providing greater flexibility for workers and businesses.

Access to Information: Technology has made it easier than ever to access information and knowledge, which can help to create a more informed and educated society.

Personal Development: Brain-based work requires continuous learning and personal development, which can lead to increased self-awareness, creativity, and adaptability.

Challenges for the brain economy

Inequality: The brain economy has the potential to exacerbate inequality by assigning exponentially differential values to body, skill, and brain. This can lead to a widening gap between those who have access to education and training in advanced technology and those who do not.

Job displacement: The rise of the brain economy may result in the displacement of jobs that require physical labor or lower levels of skill, leading to job losses in certain sectors. This may also require significant retraining and upskilling of workers in order to adapt to the new demands of the economy.

Ethical dilemmas: As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into the brain economy, ethical dilemmas around privacy, inclusivity, fairness, and the impact on social issues such as gender parity and wealth sharing may arise.

Regulatory challenges: The fast-paced nature of technology development in the brain economy may pose regulatory challenges for policymakers and regulators. There may be a need for more agile and responsive regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological developments.

Regulatory challenges: The fast-paced nature of technology development in the brain economy may pose regulatory challenges for policymakers and regulators. There may be a need for more agile and responsive regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological developments.

Access to technology: Not everyone may have access to the technology required to participate in the brain economy, leading to a digital divide and further exacerbating inequality.

Societal impacts: The widespread adoption of technology in the brain economy may have significant societal impacts, such as changes to the nature of work, social relationships, and human behavior. It will be important to monitor these impacts and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.

Environmental impact: The growth of the brain economy may lead to increased energy consumption and environmental impact, particularly as new technologies such as quantum computing and genetic engineering become more prevalent. It will be important to consider the environmental impact of these technologies and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.

How India can balance Brain economy and concerns associated with it?

Encourage innovation: The government should encourage innovation and research in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology, by providing funding and incentives to startups, universities, and research institutions.

Promote digital literacy: The government should promote digital literacy and technology education at all levels of education to equip citizens with the necessary skills to participate in the brain economy.

Ensure regulatory compliance: The government should ensure that emerging technologies are developed and deployed in compliance with ethical, legal, and social norms. This includes establishing regulatory frameworks, guidelines, and standards for emerging technologies.

Invest in infrastructure: The government should invest in physical and digital infrastructure, such as broadband networks, data centers, and cloud computing, to support the growth of the brain economy.

Foster collaboration: The government should foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate innovation and create new opportunities for economic growth.

Protect workers’ rights: The government should ensure that workers in the brain economy are protected by labor laws, including social security benefits, health insurance, and fair wages.

Address inequality: The government should address the growing inequality in the brain economy by investing in education, training, and social safety nets to ensure that all citizens can participate in the new economy. This includes measures to bridge the urban-rural divide, gender gap, and socio-economic disparities.

SCO and Its Broader Geopolitical Evolution

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial conference in Delhi that the Chinese and Russian military ministers attended has highlighted the SCO’s larger geopolitical development. While the rush for membership demonstrates the forum’s appeal, its internal inconsistencies and incapacity to resolve intra-state and inter-state disagreements among member states are generating concerns about its strategic coherence.

Everything you should know about SCO

Background: After the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, new structures had to be built to replace the old security and economic ones in the Eurasian region. The original Shanghai Five consisted of China, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.

SCO formation: The SCO was formed in 2001, with Uzbekistan included. It expanded in 2017 to include India and Pakistan. Since its formation, the SCO has focused on regional non-traditional security, with counter-terrorism as a priority.

Partner countries: Eight Member States are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. While four observer states are Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia and six dialogue partners include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.

Functionaries of SCO

Executive Branch: The SCO has an executive branch, which is headed by the Secretary-General and is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the organization.

Council of Heads of State: The highest decision-making body of the SCO is the Council of Heads of State, which meets annually to discuss and decide on important issues.

Council of Heads of Government: The Council of Heads of Government is the second most important decision-making body of the SCO, which meets annually to discuss and decide on economic and trade-related issues.

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): The SCO has RATS, which is responsible for coordinating the efforts of member states in the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Membership Clamour and Attractiveness of the SCO

Comparison between the long lines for membership at the doors of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the SCO:

Central European countries towards NATO: Many countries in Central Europe, including Ukraine, want to follow Finland and Sweden into NATO.

Several countries queuing up to join SCO: Several important regional states in India’s neighbourhood are queuing up to join the SCO, which now has eight members – China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Iran set to join: Iran is set to join the SCO and Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia are observers and would like to follow Tehran.

Impressive list of dialogue partners: Then there is the impressive list of current and incipient dialogue partners that includes Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates from the Middle East and Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka from the Subcontinent.

SCO is inclusive: Unlike NATO the SCO is inclusive, and its attractiveness underlines the rise of non-Western security institutions.

Turkey wants to be part of SCO: Turkey, a long-standing member of NATO, wants to be part of SCO certainly highlights the value of being part of a forum led by Russia and China that today are at loggerheads with the West.

Internal Conflicts and Counter-terrorism Preoccupation

Internal conflicts becoming high priority: Counter-terrorism has been the principal preoccupation of the SCO for all these years. The internal conflicts within and between the member states and associates are becoming a higher priority for the SCO.

For example: Afghanistan’s internal instabilities have been a major driver for the SCO. However, for all the talk of the SCO becoming the regional security arbiter, it was a direct deal between the US and the Taliban that reshaped the Afghan dynamic.

Russia’s Role and Ambitions in Central Asia: Russia’s muscle and Beijing’s money provide a sensible basis for their strategic division of labour in Central Asia to keep the Western powers out of the region. However, if Russia is a protector of the Central Asian regimes, it could also be a potential predator.

China’s Growing Regional Influence: China’s growing regional influence will come at Russia’s expense, as China becomes the senior partner in the bilateral relationship with Russia after Ukraine. China’s explicit support of the sovereignty of the Central Asian states is a straw in the wind. Shared borders, growing political salience, and rising regional security profiles promise to make China a force to reckon with in Central Asia in the not-too-distant future.

Significance of SCO for India

Central Asia connection: SCO membership provides India with an opportunity to engage with Central Asian nations, Russia, and China, and work towards promoting regional stability, security, and economic cooperation.

Security cooperation: SCO focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the region, which is of particular concern to India.

Consensus over CBT: India has been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades. India has been working closely with the RATS to share intelligence and coordinate counter-terrorism operations in the region.

Economic push: SCO has set up mechanisms for trade and economic cooperation, including the SCO Business Council, the SCO Interbank Consortium, and the SCO Development Bank.

Cultural cooperation: The organization aims to promote cultural exchanges among member states and has set up mechanisms for cooperation in fields such as education, science, and technology

Issues with SCO (Indian context)

Pakistan’s presence: India has accused Pakistan of using SCO forums to spread propaganda and misinformation against India.

China’s dominance: India has also expressed concerns over China’s dominance in the organization and its attempts to use the platform to push its strategic interests in the region.

Limited economic benefits: Despite being a member of the organization for over a decade, India’s trade with other SCO members remains limited and has not been able to tap the full potential of the organization.

Limited counter-terrorism cooperation: While the primary objective of the organization is to combat terrorism, India has expressed concerns over the limited counter-terrorism cooperation among member states.

Limited influence: Despite being a major power in the region, India’s voice and concerns have not been adequately represented in the organization.

India’s challenging role in the SCO

India’s engagement with the SCO all these decades was premised on Russian primacy in the region and Moscow’s support of India’s regional interests.

For India, a strong and independent Russia is critical for maintaining the inner Asian balance. However, Delhi is in no position to ensure Moscow’s strategic autonomy from Beijing; that depends on Russian strategic choices.

India’s burden in the SCO must now be to protect its own interests amidst a rapidly changing regional power distribution in China’s favour.

Genome Sequencing and the Genome India Project

The Department of Biotechnology recently reported that the Genome India Project’s effort to sequence 10,000 Indian human genomes and build a database is roughly two-thirds complete.

The Genome India Project: What is it?

The “first scratching of the surface of the vast genetic diversity of India” is how some working in the project have described it.

More than 20 experts from academic institutions, including a few IITs and the Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc), are involved.

The Human Genome Project (HGP 1990–2003), an international initiative that resulted in the decoding of the entire human genome, served as its model.

About Human Genome Project (HGP)

What is a Genome?

Every organism’s genetic code is contained in its Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA), the building blocks of life.

The discovery that DNA is structured as a “double helix” by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, started the quest for understanding how genes dictate life, its traits, and what causes diseases.

A genome is all the genetic matter in an organism. It is defined as “an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes.

Each genome contains all of the information needed to build and maintain that organism.

In humans, a copy of the entire genome contains more than 3 billion DNA base pairs.

Each pair consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46 chromosomes, which means that for 23 pairs of chromosomes in each cell, there are roughly 20,500 genes located on them.

What does genome mapping tell us?

Some of the genes are lined up in a row on each chromosome, while others are lined up quite close to one another and this arrangement might affect the way they are inherited.

For example, if the genes are placed sufficiently close together, there is a probability that they get inherited as a pair.

Genome mapping, therefore, essentially means figuring out the location of a specific gene on a particular region of the chromosome and also determining the location of and relative distances between other genes on that chromosome.

How did it help during the pandemic?

Genomic sequencing became a crucial tool in the fight against COVID-19 to track emerging variants, conduct further studies, and develop vaccines.

In January 2020, Chinese scientist Yong-Zhen Zhang sequenced the genome of the novel coronavirus and shared it online, allowing researchers to study the virus’s genetic code.

India also implemented a sequencing framework, the Indian SARS-COV-2 Genomics Consortia (INSACOG), to scan coronavirus samples from patients and flag the presence of variants.

What is the significance of GIP?

HGP has a major diversity problem as most genomes (over 95%) mapped under HGP have been sourced from urban middle-class white people.

Thus, HGP should not really be seen as representative of the human genome.

In this context, the GIP aims to vastly add to the available information on the human species and advance the cause, both because of the scale of the Indian population and the diversity here. This diversity can be depicted by:

Horizontal Diversity: The Indian subcontinent has been the site of huge migrations, where the first migrations were from Africa. Also, there have been periodic migrations by various populations from all around the world, making this a very special case of almost all races and types intermingling genetically.

Vertical Diversity: There has been endogamy or inter-marriage practised among distinct groups, resulting in some diseases passed on strictly within some groups and some other traits inherited by just some groups.

Its applications

Personalized Medicine: Genome sequencing can help in the development of personalized medicine. By analyzing a patient’s genetic makeup, doctors can determine the best course of treatment for a particular disease. This approach can help in the early detection of diseases, identifying the risk of inherited diseases, and providing targeted therapies.

Disease Diagnosis: Genome sequencing can be used to diagnose genetic disorders that are caused by mutations in a single gene, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. It can also help in identifying the genetic causes of complex diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.

Drug Development: Genome sequencing can help in the development of new drugs by identifying targets for drug therapy. It can also help in the identification of biomarkers that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of drugs.

Agriculture: Genome sequencing can help in the development of improved crops and livestock by identifying genes that control traits such as yield, disease resistance, and quality.

Forensics: Genome sequencing can be used in forensic investigations to identify suspects by analyzing their DNA. It can also help in identifying missing persons and victims of disasters.