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Articles

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- Dr. Nagendra P Singh

I take this opprtunity to draw your kind attention on issues that are generally neglected by many who express their concern on competitiveness and need new order in Knowledge Economy. It is true that new economy of this century has begun to witness a volatile and turbulent nature of competitiveness. One can notice people walking on the tight rope in order to compete and excel against others. Those passers by in the crowd are no longer silent spectators of the past. Any body can pick up an idea and set the agenda to their choice with creative mindset. Thus, those ahead are left behind and those laggards may win the race. Creativity and innovation is essence of today's razor edge competition. Experimentation and adventure is the fulcrum of to day's business game. Brooders and cautious players are likely to sink in their dilemma unless they learn to resolve and risk.

This paper describes the new age of development leadership that is not alien to business growth trend. However, it may appear far away from capitalistic frame of mind due to development concerns of the society and the state. The development leadership seems to emerge as strong alternative for sustainable growth and equity with on appropriate blend and mix.

Eventually, it is technology and innovation alone that can bring the blend and balance of the two. Business leadership seemingly opposed have begun looking at social concerns where as development leaders of traditional socialistic mindset have begun paying attention to global business call. What a paradox where capitalistic phobia leaders seem to change their stance in response to a business call.

Old Versus New

The trend of making new technology out of old stuff, by changing labels, bottles and new packages have last quite long that was early trend of modern economy. Thus, the famous proverb "American innovates, Japanese Imitates, European trades, rest of the world consumes...." used to be at the epitome of old belief expressed through proverbial jokes. Today it is likely to reverse very soon. Therefore, tomorrow's age would not be a scene of our wishful thinking "Indian innovates, European and American trades, rest of the world consumes". Imitators have to take a back seat since there is not going to be time for them to do that except a few innovative imitators.

The recurring theme on global competition is taking a major shift in thinking as what constitutes resources in the economy. Traditional economists categorization of resource (into land, labour, and capital) has been superseded by knoeledge as the prime resource. As a consequence to this belief, we have moved to an increased interest in HR Management, Human Capital and the problem of attracting and keeping good knowledge workers.How can we create a new era for knowledge workers where competitiveness builds nexus with collaboration instead of conflict? Is is possible to inculcate those values and ethos that do not break social fiber due to basic extreme competitiveness in order to survive in the so called knowledge economy which is product of global market economy.

Thus the issue of competition assumes critical significance amidst emerging knowledge leaders are wanted; innovators are in demand in every field not in science and technology alone. Ironically, most of us are guided by the economics of living that is opposed to social cohesion and integrated development. Education policy therefore has a big role to play. Before I speak on education policy and priority let me take you on nature and mindset of those who are contributing to knowledge economy.