Currently, there is an ambiguous position regarding technology. On one hand, there is an optimistic view that technology will improve the world; on the other hand, there is a regression in the face of technical means that dehumanize. This duality leads us to reflect on the foundation of modern technology and the conditions that have made scientific and technological development possible as we know it. In this context, last year, during 2023, Colombia’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector contributed 3.1% to the country’s gross domestic product and this year a tentative figure of 227 billion pesos is being discussed. This perspective allows us to detach from our naturalized relationship with technology, which often prevents us from understanding the real situation in Colombia.
The government must strive to achieve over 85% connectivity. Current devices, such as cellphones and televisions, often exceed the limits of isolation, but they also confront us with disconnection: in Colombia, half of the population remains disconnected, limiting the digital transformation necessary for development.
According to the data collected, 17 out of every 100 Colombians have a fixed Internet connection, indicating that having over 70 million phones in the market does not guarantee access. The distinction between technique and technology is crucial; while technique refers to processes, technology can represent a realizable promise of the unlimited. In the face of danger, it is possible to rethink and reveal new possibilities. However, the budget for science and technology has historically been limited, and it is essential for the private sector to take a leading role in investment.
Gustavo Petro’s government plan mentioned a Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, aimed at ensuring robust funding for the sector. However, seeking external financing, such as from the U.S., contradicts the need to strengthen internal development. The management of technological change is a gradual process that requires cooperation among the government, the private sector, and citizens.
Technological innovations have the potential to change the world. According to Saúl Catan, presidential advisor for digital transformation in Colombia, technology is within everyone’s reach, even though we often perceive it as distant. Although Bogotá is the best-connected city, the quality of connectivity still leaves much to be desired, complicating remote work and generating frustration.
In conclusion, the digital divide requires not only connectivity but also training and infrastructure deployment, such as fiber optics. The country’s geographical diversity presents an additional challenge but also an opportunity to find solutions. Governance must be a joint effort between the government, the private sector, and the population, establishing a clear direction. Furthermore, in the past year, Colombia recorded 15,302 new product launches, according to Kantar, demonstrating a potential for innovation that still needs to be fully harnessed.