"In the mystical realm where shadows danced and legends came to life, Cangik and Limbuk had just stumbled out of the cinema, their minds buzzing with the chaotic energy of Deadpool and Wolverine’s latest escapade.'That was insane!' Cangik exclaimed, adjusting her headdress. 'Who knew Wolverine could dance like that?'Limbuk, still clutching her fan, nodded vigorously. 'And Deadpool’s fourth wall breaks? Classic! I wish I could do that in real life.'As they walked down the bustling streets of the modern wayang realm, the day was hot, and the air in the park was thick with the scent of blooming jasmine. Cangik, with her sharp tongue and quick wit, turned to Limbuk, who was busy munching on a banana. 'Limbuk, have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a superhero?'Limbuk, her eyes wide with curiosity, replied, 'You mean like those heroes in the comic books? With capes and superpowers?'Cangik nodded a mischievous glint in her eye. 'Yes, but not just any superhero. Imagine us as Lady Deadpool!'Limbuk giggled. 'Lady Deadpool? Isn’t she the one with the red suit and swords? She’s not a superhero, but an antihero.' She paused, then added, 'Laura Kinney, X-23, evolved from an antihero to a superhero.''Whoever they are,' Cangik exclaimed, 'just imagine this: We are in the bustling city of Ngastina, fighting crime and causing chaos, all while looking fabulous in our red suits.'Limbuk’s eyes sparkled with excitement. 'And we can break the fourth wall, just like Lady Deadpool! We can talk to the audience and make them laugh.'Cangik grinned. 'Yes! And we can use our traditional Kecak or Saman dance moves to defeat the bad guys. Imagine the look on their faces when we start performing a graceful Tari Gambyong in the middle of a fight!'Limbuk burst into laughter. 'And instead of guns, we can use our trusty fans and sarongs as weapons. No one would see that coming!''And winning the 2024 Olympic gold like Veddriq Leonardo and Rizki Juniansyah dedicated to all of us,' Cangik added.As they continued to imagine their adventures, a park ranger approached, 'Sorry ladies, it's time for park cleaning!'As the sun set, casting a golden glow over Ngastina, Cangik turned to Limbuk and said, 'You know, Limbuk, we may not have superpowers or fancy suits, but we have something even better.'Limbuk tilted her head, curious. 'What’s that, bestie?'Cangik smiled warmly. 'We have each other, and our laughter. And that, my dear, is the greatest superpower of all.'Time would seem to stand still within the mist, it was a place of introspection and revelation, where one could gain profound insights into their own nature and destiny as the two close friend, Cangik and Limbuk went home, singing Madonna's Like a Prayer, 'Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone. I hear you call my name and it feels like home.""Nations that lead in technology and science often influence setting global standards and norms in these fields. They can drive innovation, set intellectual property standards, and lead in global challenges such as climate change, space exploration, and public health. Their technological advancements can be exported, creating dependencies and strengthening their global standing," Seruni went on."Scientific leadership refers to a nation's or organization's dominance in fundamental research and the generation of new knowledge. It involves leading in areas like theoretical and experimental research, publishing influential scientific papers, and making groundbreaking discoveries in fields like physics, biology, chemistry, and other sciences. Scientific leadership is often concerned with understanding natural phenomena and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge. The primary goal is to advance understanding, make new discoveries, and contribute to the global body of knowledge. Success is often measured by peer recognition, citations, and contributions to scientific theory.Scientific leadership is typically driven by research institutions, universities, and individual researchers or scientific teams. Government-funded research programs and international collaborations also play significant roles. Scientific leadership contributes to long-term advancements in human understanding and can lead to paradigm shifts in how we view the world. It may also provide the foundational knowledge necessary for future technological innovations. For example, the United States' dominance in biomedical research, the European Union's leadership in climate science, or Japan's contributions to material science.Technological leadership involves the application of scientific knowledge to create new tools, systems, products, or processes. It is focused on innovation, development, and the practical implementation of scientific principles to solve real-world problems. Technological leadership is about turning scientific discoveries into marketable products, industrial applications, and advanced systems like AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy technologies. The primary goal is to achieve innovation that drives economic growth, improves quality of life, and enhances competitiveness in global markets. Success is measured by patents, technological breakthroughs, and the successful commercialization of new technologies.Technological leadership often driven by private companies, startups, and industries, with a focus on R&D (Research and Development) that leads to new products and technologies. Governments may also play a role through defence contracts, space programs, and public-private partnerships. Technological leadership directly impacts society through the creation of new industries, jobs, and products. It can transform economies, influence daily life, and shape global trends in business and consumer behavior. For example, the United States leading in the development of the internet, China’s advances in telecommunications and AI, or Germany’s leadership in automotive engineering.While scientific leadership is about pioneering new knowledge and understanding, technological leadership is about applying that knowledge to create practical solutions that drive progress and influence global dynamics. The two are interdependent, with scientific advancements often leading to technological innovations, and vice versa.Technological and scientific advancements drive innovation, leading to the development of new industries, products, and services. Nations that lead in these areas can dominate global markets, attract investment, and create high-value jobs, thus strengthening their economic position. Advanced technology and scientific research are often directly linked to military capabilities. Nations that lead in these areas can develop superior defence systems, cyber capabilities, and intelligence tools, which can act as a deterrent to potential threats and give them strategic advantages in global security.Scientific and technological leadership enhances a nation’s soft power by increasing its global prestige and influence. Countries that pioneer in areas like space exploration, medical research, and green technology are often seen as leaders in global progress, attracting admiration and fostering positive international relations. Nations that are leaders in technology and science can use their expertise as a tool in diplomacy. They can form international alliances, participate in global governance on critical issues like climate change, and influence the setting of international standards and regulations.Technological innovations can shape global culture by introducing new ways of communication, entertainment, and information sharing. Countries that lead in creating and distributing these technologies often have a disproportionate influence on global culture and values. Technological and scientific leadership allows nations to take a proactive role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and food security. This not only benefits the global community but also enhances the nation’s reputation as a responsible and capable leader.Leading nations in technology and science attract top talent from around the world, creating a cycle of continuous innovation and further enhancing their global influence. Technological and scientific leadership provides a foundation for a nation’s overall power, enabling it to shape global norms, values, and policies while securing its national interests.Developing structures that produce the best science information to policymakers is becoming more critical in an ever-changing world. Scientific advances made possible by the basic and applied research carried out by government agencies, universities, and nongovernmental organizations create opportunities and challenges with a growing impact on policy decisions. Science diplomacy and policy can support collaborative national and international science for advancing knowledge with societal impact in fields such as climate, space, medicine, and the environment.Pierre-Bruno Ruffini delves into the role of science and technology in international relations, highlighting how scientific leadership contributes to global knowledge while technological leadership drives economic and geopolitical influence. Ruffini discusses how nations leverage both scientific and technological advancements to enhance their global standing.Nations use scientific leadership to foster international collaborations, participating in global research initiatives and contributing to large-scale scientific projects. By leading or being involved in international scientific organizations and research consortia, nations build soft power and enhance their global influence. For example, participation in global health research or climate change studies positions a country as a key player in addressing global challenges.Scientific achievements, such as Nobel Prizes, major research breakthroughs, or leadership in cutting-edge fields (like quantum computing or genomics), boost a nation's reputation. This scientific prestige translates into a form of diplomatic capital that can be leveraged in negotiations and international relations.Nations that lead in technology often dominate global markets for high-tech goods and services. This technological leadership not only drives economic growth but also gives countries leverage in trade negotiations and economic diplomacy. Countries like the United States and China use their technological prowess to set global standards and norms, influencing how technology is adopted and regulated worldwide. Technological leadership also plays a critical role in national security. Advances in cyber capabilities, defence technologies, and space exploration give nations strategic advantages, allowing them to exert influence on global security dynamics. This technological edge is often used to strengthen alliances and deter adversaries.Nations integrate scientific and technological expertise into their policy-making processes to address complex global issues such as climate change, energy security, and public health. By basing policies on scientific evidence and leveraging technological solutions, nations can effectively lead global efforts to solve these challenges, thereby increasing their influence on the international stage. Leading in both science and technology allows nations to influence the setting of global standards and regulations. For example, countries that are at the forefront of digital innovation may push for global standards in cybersecurity, data privacy, or artificial intelligence, shaping the global governance of these technologies.
Nations use their scientific and technological achievements to project soft power, attract talent, foster cultural exchanges, and enhance their global image. For example, initiatives like international scholarships for STEM fields or hosting global tech conferences can build long-lasting relationships with other nations and create a favourable image abroad. Nations that lead in scientific research and technological innovation are often at the forefront of addressing global problems like pandemics, climate change, and food security. By contributing solutions to these challenges, nations not only help the global community but also enhance their standing as responsible and capable leaders in the international arena.Ruffini's analysis underscores that the interplay between scientific and technological leadership is crucial for a nation’s ability to influence global affairs. By excelling in both areas, nations can build a comprehensive strategy that enhances their power, reputation, and influence on the world stage.Sharon Zukin provides a comprehensive analysis of how various factors—ranging from government policies to cultural attitudes—collectively drive the development of science and technology in modern economies. Investment in R&D by the government is crucial. Funding for universities, research institutions, and innovation centres fosters scientific discoveries and technological innovations. Government policies that prioritize science and technology, such as tax incentives for R&D, intellectual property protection, and the establishment of innovation clusters or science parks, can drive development. Policies that emphasize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education at all levels of schooling create a skilled workforce capable of driving technological and scientific advancements.A robust educational system that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills is fundamental. High-quality universities and research institutions are essential for training scientists, engineers, and innovators. Broad access to higher education, particularly in STEM fields, ensures a steady supply of skilled professionals who can contribute to scientific and technological development.A vibrant private sector that invests in R&D is critical. Companies that prioritize innovation can drive technological advancements and commercialize new technologies. Collaboration between the private sector and government or academic institutions can accelerate the development and application of new technologies.A culture that values innovation, creativity, and risk-taking fosters an environment where new ideas can flourish. Societies that celebrate entrepreneurship and scientific achievements are more likely to see rapid advancements. Societal support for science and technology, including public understanding and appreciation of scientific research, can influence the level of investment and interest in these fields.Collaboration with international research institutions, participation in global scientific projects, and access to international knowledge networks can significantly enhance a country’s scientific and technological capabilities. Engaging in technology transfer, whether through partnerships, foreign direct investment, or licensing agreements, can help countries acquire and adapt advanced technologies from more developed nations.A stable economic environment that encourages investment in long-term scientific research and technological innovation is essential. Economic instability can deter investment in these areas. The availability of venture capital and other forms of investment for startups and innovative companies supports the commercialization of new technologies.Well-developed infrastructure, including laboratories, research facilities, and high-speed internet, is necessary for scientific research and technological development. A strong digital infrastructure, including widespread internet access and advanced computing capabilities, is crucial for modern scientific research and technological innovation.A strong intellectual property (IP) regime encourages innovation by protecting inventors and ensuring they can benefit from their creations. A regulatory framework that supports innovation, including streamlined processes for testing and approving new technologies, can drive development.A well-trained and adaptable workforce capable of performing cutting-edge research and developing new technologies is vital. Policies and environments that attract and retain top scientific and technological talent, including from abroad, can significantly enhance a country’s capabilities.The need to remain competitive in the global economy can drive nations to invest more heavily in science and technology. Issues like climate change, pandemics, and energy security can spur countries to invest in scientific research and technological innovation as part of their response strategies.These factors, when effectively integrated and supported, can drive the development of science and technology in a country, positioning it as a leader in the global arena.Several countries have recently made significant advances in technological and scientific leadership. Consistently ranked as the most innovative country, Switzerland excels in research and development, supported by robust institutions and a conducive regulatory environment. Known for its strong performance in business sophistication and human capital, Sweden continues to lead in innovation. Home to Silicon Valley and world-renowned universities, the U.S. remains a leader in R&D investment and technological advancements. With its strategic location and pro-business policies, Singapore is a hub for knowledge-based industries and innovation. Notable for its advancements in technology, South Korea has climbed the ranks due to its strong focus on innovation and technological expertise. These countries are at the forefront of technological and scientific progress, driving innovation and setting new standards in various fields.Indonesia’s Technological and scientific advancement shows positive signs of progress, but there are several challenges and areas for improvement. Indonesia’s research system has been described as fragmented, which has led to inefficiencies and a lack of coherence in research efforts. The establishment of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) aims to address this, but there are concerns about political interference and the centralization of power. Businesses in Indonesia contribute only a small percentage to research and development (R&D) expenditure compared to neighbouring countries like Singapore and Malaysia. This has been a significant barrier to advancing technological innovation. Indonesia’s strategic position in sectors like battery manufacturing and clean energy has attracted significant foreign investment. However, this has also led to geopolitical competition, particularly with countries like China, South Korea, and Japan vying for dominance in these sectors. While there have been efforts to improve human resources and national capabilities in science and technology, more needs to be done to nurture local talent and ensure that innovations directly benefit local communities.In the next discussion, we will briefly discuss the economic impact, biidhnillah."
Citations & References:
- Pierre-Bruno Ruffini, Science and Technology Diplomacy: A Focus on the Roles of Governments and Others, 2018, Momentum Press
- Sharon Zukin, The Innovation Complex: Cities, Tech, and the New Economy, 2020, Oxford University Press
