PH is second ‘overperformer’ in frontier technology to use readiness index

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is the second “overperformer” in readiness for frontier technology use, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), citing a global report, said Tuesday.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Technology and Innovation Report 2021 provides a “country readiness index” in the use of frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data, blockchain, 3D printing, robotics, drones, gene editing, 5G, nanotechnology and solar photovoltaics (PV).

While the Philippines ranked 57th globally, the country placed second in terms of “overperformance” behind India. Ukraine, Vietnam, and China are also in the top five.

The report states that “the over performance of a nation is measured by the difference between the actual index ranking and the estimated index ranking based on per capita income.”

DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II welcomed the report.

“This achievement is made possible by the concerted efforts of the government, including your DICT. We are deeply elated by this achievement because it means that we are now beginning to reap the fruits of our efforts,” Honasan said in a statement.

However, the report has also warned countries of the rise of inequality brought by a new wave of technological change and urged developing countries to work towards universal Internet access and ensure all their citizens have opportunities to learn the skills required for frontier technologies.

“We at the DICT recognize the reality of the problem presented in the report. Rest assured that we are committed to further strengthening our Digital Connectivity as well as our Digital Education, Skills, and Jobs initiatives in the new normal to bridge the digital gap brought into sharper focus by the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic,” Honasan said.

Honasan said that at present, the DICTis implementing three major connectivity programs including the National Broadband Program (NBP), the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, and the Common Tower Initiative. – Liezelle Soriano Roy, Trainee

EDV