Can coding bridge the development gap, or does it deepen it?

The digital revolution is upon us, and coding is seen as a passport to future prosperity. However, a critical question arises: is promoting coding in less developed nations a true path to progress, or does it risk creating a generation of “technicians” reliant on advancements made elsewhere?

There’s no doubt coding is valuable. It teaches logic, problem- solving, and critical thinking, applicable across various fields. However, coding relies heavily on existing technology – the machines we programme are products of scientific advancements. While coding allows interaction with this technology, it doesn’t necessarily equip individuals to create it from scratch.

Less developed nations often face a gap in scientific knowledge and infrastructure compared to their developed counterparts. Focusing solely on coding education in such an environment could create a generation adept at using existing tools, but potentially lacking the scientific understanding to create the next generation of those tools. This could lead to a situation where these nations remain dependant on developed nations for technological advancements. Coding as a subject relies heavily on machines and technology that are developed through sound scientific knowledge. From programming languages to robotics, the field of coding is intricately linked to advancements in science and technology. Therefore, teaching and promoting coding in less developed nations inherently introduces a reliance on technology that may not be fully understood or controlled by the population. While coding education has the potential to empower individuals and drive economic growth, there is a concern that it may also perpetuate a cycle of dependency on technology developed elsewhere. In other words, by focusing on coding skills without a strong foundation in the underlying scientific principles, upcoming generations in less developed nations may become increasingly reliant on advancements in science from more technologically advanced countries. This reliance on external scientific knowledge poses several potential risks for the future of these nations. Firstly, it may limit their ability to innovate and develop indigenous solutions to local challenges. Instead of leveraging their own scientific expertise and resources, they may continue to rely on imported technology, stifling local innovation and entrepreneurship. A lack of understanding of the scientific principles behind coding and technology could leave these nations vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation.

Without the ability to critically evaluate and adapt technology to suit their own needs, they may become passive consumers of technology rather than active participants in its development.

Furthermore, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that coding skills learnt today may become obsolete tomorrow. Without a solid foundation in scientific knowledge and problem- solving skills, individuals in less developed nations may struggle to keep pace with evolving technology, further widening the gap between them and more technologically advanced countries. The key might lie in a balanced approach. While teaching coding equips individuals for the digital age, prioritising foundational scientific knowledge – physics, mathematics, engineering – is crucial. This empowers individuals to not just use technology, but also understand and potentially create it. The ultimate goal for developing nations shouldn’t be just to produce skilled coders, but to cultivate a generation of innovators and problem- solvers who can leverage technology for their own needs. To achieve this balanced approach, Less Developed Nations can: encourage research and development programmes to bridge the knowledge gap, focus on using coding skills to adapt technology for local challenges, and nurture a culture of scientific enquiry to spark discovery and innovation. Coding is a valuable skill for the future, but for less developed nations, it shouldn’t be the sole focus. A balanced approach that combines coding with a strong foundation in science is essential to bridge the development gap and foster self- reliance in the long run. By empowering individuals to not just use technology, but also create and improve it, these nations can truly participate in shaping the digital future.