EDITORIAL

The task facing the emerging civilization from Asia

The primary challenge confronting developing nations globally is the attainment ofsustainable development. To achieve this objective, governments must undertake substantialstrides in the realm of research and technology. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that there areno shortcuts for this. To establish its own growth trajectory, each nation will assess its existingand potentially accessible national resources and capabilities. Initially, impediments that restrictor obstruct the evaluation of the existing national capacity must be eradicated. Secondly, toattain the developmental objective, the potential of the state and society must be activated.These objectives can be attained by structuring the state’s institutional framework in alignmentwith this aim.

The principal force for attaining sustainable development is humans, the fundamentalproductive force. That is, human capital is a country’s most important resource. Developingnations must implement a sustainable, human-centered planning strategy to attain development.The essential element of this strategy is to establish medium- and long-term objectives and torestructure the state and society accordingly. The prevailing neoliberal system prioritizes thepowerful and sidelines the marginalized. However, engaging the entire populace is essential forgenuinely sustainable and effective development. To mobilize the entire people, the developmentplan must be founded on principles that address societal disparities and respect the interests ofthe whole public.

It is clear that the imperialist system’s imposition of neoliberal free market principles ondeveloping nations yields no benefits in terms of development. Furthermore, these impositionshinder these nations from realizing their distinct developmental objectives and result in furtherreliance on the imperialist system. Consequently, emerging nations must formulate a long-termplan grounded in the public interest.

Another imperative is the significant scientific and technological gap that the emergingworld must bridge with industrialized nations. In the contemporary era, to liberate themselvesfrom the constraints of the imperialist system, nations of the Global South must establish analliance in the domains of science and technology, akin to their collaboration in the securityfield. In order to address each nation’s needs, a partnership is formed in which nations pool theirsuperior resources and talents and support one another in the face of adversity.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has initiated collaboration in science and technologyinside the Global South, among other fields. Countries involved in the BRI are engaging invarious collaborations in scientific cooperation, including exchanges of students and scientists,co-organized scientific events, jointly constructed research laboratories, and high-qualitycollaborative scientific and technological projects. Nevertheless, we remain at the inception ofthe journey. Together with their collaboration in other areas, emerging nations’ collaboration inthe scientific and technological spheres will be a major step toward creating a fair and just worldfor all people.

Fikret Akfırat
Editor-in-chief

Download
BRIQ Volume6Issue1.pdf

Contents

Abstract

“As Türkiye takes determined steps in the scope of a green and digital transition towards our net-zero emissions target for the year 2053, TÜBİTAK will ensure the mobilization of the R&D and innovation ecosystem for this target in the context of sustainable development. Through this vision, we are creating opportunities and synergies for producing more sustainable, resilient, and efficient impacts for the future. In the coming period, we are transforming the business models of TÜBİTAK Research Centres and Institutes to put open innovation at the centre. In addition, the TÜBİTAK Artificial Intelligence Institute plays a pioneering role in the ecosystem for a green and digital transition. Efforts are underway to develop scientific and technological co-operation in the geographical regions in which Türkiye has an influence or is part of, which, although not exactly similar to the ‘European Research Area’, contain similar elements. Within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), under the leadership of TÜBİTAK, important steps are being taken to support joint R&D and innovation projects among member states. TÜBİTAK is also among the Founding Members of the Alliance of International Science Organizations of the Belt and Road Initiative (ANSO). Our Institution, honoured by this development, was then elected to the ANSO Board of Directors as of January 2022. We will continue to come together with institutions and organisations producing science, technology and knowledge from all over the world, strengthen collaborations for researchers, and continue our science diplomacy activities meticulously.”

Abstract

This paper examines the obstacles and prospects for establishing resilient innovation systems in the Global South. In addition to structural impediments like brain drain, fragile industrial bases, and insufficient legal and cultural frameworks, self-perpetuating polarization along the core-periphery axis and the monopolization of knowledge at the core further constrain these nations’ capacity to establish robust science, technology, and innovation (STI) systems. The document underscores the constraints of North-South partnerships, which frequently intensify prevailing disparities, and accentuates the promise of South-South collaboration as a more equitable and sustainable option. Through the sharing of resources, expertise, and experiences, countries in the Global South may augment their innovation ecosystems, propel regional development, and fortify their standings in global value chains. Customized policies, regional collaboration, and fair international alliances are seen as crucial for the sustained success of innovation systems in the Global South. A proposed model delineates a shared research domain wherein players allocate adaptable budgets and comply with a notion of equitable returns within structured frameworks. This strategy could promote efficient and effective South-South scientific and technological collaboration at both regional and global levels. The BRICS STI Framework initiative can act as a significant reference for analogous regional organizations, enhancing their collaborative models via shared experiences and adaptable frameworks.

Keywords: brain drain, Global South, science, technology and innovation policy, South-South
cooperation, sustainable development.

Abstract

“Currently, the productive forces and relations of production, along with the economic base and social superstructure, have transitioned into a new historical phase of transformation that significantly surpasses the intensity of the Europe-centered industrial revolution. The globe is undergoing a comprehensive transformation of the superstructure and economic
foundation, characterized by fragmentation and reorganization. As the superstructures of nations undergo transformation, an exceptionally vigorous formatting process has commenced, particularly regarding the material foundations underlying economic
conditions and social structures. Following an extensive developmental phase, human society has arrived at a novel historical juncture and is commencing an unparalleled selfrevolution. I refer to this as the process of ‘formatting human society.’ The BRI is the only way to build a ‘process of formatting human society’ led by developing countries. The scientific and technological cooperation issues of the BRI can undoubtedly only be realized under the premise of ‘formatting human society.’ To this end, the developing countries along the BRI must become an organically integrated whole in terms of science and technology.
We must proactively identify global subjects in science and technology innovation and robustly promote enhanced international exchanges among universities and research institutes, cultivating an environment that values knowledge and creativity.”

Abstract

The collective acquisition of scientific and technological knowledge by humanity will represent a substantial advantage of the forthcoming new civilization over the imperialist-capitalist system. Neoliberalism, on one hand, constricts the domain of objective reality by asserting that individuals possess their own realities, while on the other hand, it commodifies science, diminishing scientific knowledge to a resource accessible only to those who can purchase it. The execution of the national science agenda necessitates thorough planning that encompasses both long-term and medium-term strategies. Effective central planning and its efficient execution can only be realized under state leadership. Advancements in science and technology necessitate a proficient staff and the construction of suitable institutions equipped with cuttingedge
equipment and laboratories. Consequently, contemporary scientific endeavors exhibit a significantly more collaborative character than those of the past. The foundational role of science in relation to technology, and technology in relation to innovation, can only be realized through the formulation of long-term strategies rather than relying on market forces to define
these connections. The contemporary world necessitates an equitable and fair international order, while the scientific community demands a novel framework for international science governance that seeks to advance research for the collective good of humanity and utilize it as an instrument for future development. A new order can only be established when the emerging civilization attains a global leading role in science and technology.

Keywords: fair international order, neoliberalism, public goods, scientific cooperation in the Global South, science, technology, and innovation policy.

Abstract

“From the 1960s and to the 1980s or 1990s, we instituted a policy akin to a science policy. This is not strictly science policy; rather, it pertains to enhancing the research environment within universities. The formation of the TÜBİTAK Technology and Innovation Funding Programmes Directorate (TEYDEB), the Technology Development Foundation of Türkiye (TTGV), and
the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (KOSGEB) established an institutional framework to facilitate industrial R&D. Following the establishment of this corporate organization, industrial R&D initiatives commenced. In recent years, the government has assumed a significantly more proactive role in science and technology policy. Some refer to it as mission-oriented policy in European terminology, while others designate it as a new industrial strategy. These policies encompass mechanisms through which the government actively establishes markets and provides support to specific industries and technologies to a limited degree using early-stage funding.”

Abstract

Intelligence has been a tool used by states to ensure their security. This effort, which primarily involves the process of gathering and evaluating information, has become professionalized over time and has become an element that determines the security strategies of states. Security is one of the most important pillars of a state’s continued existence. This has military and economic dimensions, as well as other dimensions such as alliances. Intelligence is one of these methods and plays an important role in state policies, future plans and instant security measures. Today, cyber security technologies are an important component of national security and economic security. Türkiye is taking important steps to strengthen national security by developing cyber security policies against cyber threats. These steps enable Türkiye to be in a stronger position in national and international security policies. This article will examine the impact of intelligence activities on state security and how they
shape state policies. It will also examine which types of intelligence are effective in state security policies.

Keywords: intelligence, cyber security, security, security policy, Türkiye.

Abstract

The cadres of the 1911 Chinese Revolution and the early cadres of the Communist Party of China (CPC) were especially interested in the Turkish Revolution (Demircan & Zhangxu, 2023; Akalın, 2023). Underlying this interest was the War of Independence against imperialism led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the achievement of full economic and political independence through the Republican Revolution. The Chinese resistance to Japanese imperialism during the Second Sino-Japanese War drew an analogy between the move of the capital to Chongqing after the fall of Nanjing and Türkiye’s move of the capital to Ankara after the occupation of Istanbul. On December 4, 1937, just two weeks after the Guomindang government announced on November 21, 1937, that it had moved its capital to Chongqing, Yun Fu, editor of the journal United Review (统一评论), wrote an article titled “Chongqing is Our Ankara!”. The United Review was a political journal edited by Zhang Yunfu (张云伏) and published by the United Review Press, which was founded in Chengdu in November 1935 and ceased publication in
November 1939. The weekly United Review was on a mission to reunite a warlord-ridden and politically divided China. This approach parallels Türkiye’s policy of uniting all sectors against imperialism during the War of Independence.

Keywords: Ankara, China, Chongqing, Second Sino-Japanese War, Türkiye.

Abstract

In the last two decades, China has become progressively engaged in the development of the Middle East. Many Middle Eastern nations have gained substantial advantages and impetus from China’s development cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative. The Global Development Initiative, introduced by Beijing in 2021, represents China’s perspective on world development. It strongly corresponds with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the requirements of international development cooperation, establishing itself as a worldwide public benefit and offering renewed momentum for global development partnership. The Global Development Initiative has garnered favorable responses and backing from the international community, particularly from numerous Middle Eastern nations, and it significantly influences China’s development cooperation with these states in the contemporary era. This program will support developmental strategies in Middle Eastern countries, using its diversified platform to advance the priorities of regional nations’ development agendas and increase these states’ capacity to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Keywords: China, Global Development Initiative, international development cooperation, Middle East, sustainable development.

Abstract

Since the turn of the millennium, a new practice has emerged: the new, deregulated US capital players, which are still officially considered “shadow banks”, are buying existing companies in Europe. Private equity investors such as Blackstone and Katch Investment Group (KKR) specialize in medium-sized, unlisted companies. BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street, Capital
Group, Fidelity & Co. are now the leading owners of the most important companies and banks in Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the UK, the Netherlands and, incidentally, Switzerland. The strategic decisions - restructuring, sale of parts of the company, job cuts, relocations abroad - are mainly made in the USA, in consultation with the European Commission. Most of the profits go to the USA, while the Americanization of working conditions (job patterns, gig working, working poor) is causing real wages to fall throughout the EU. As a result, the EU’s share of global GDP has fallen from its former peak of around
25% to 15%, while the USA’s share has since risen back to its former level of 25%. The reindustrialization of Germany is also under US control.

Keywords: Europe, capitalism, deindustrialization, industry, re-industrialization.