From a learning to a smart nation: The rise of the digitalization megatrend and Singapore's development

• Main Author: HOE, Siu Loon
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2024
• Subjects: electronic commerce; digital business; internet economics; digital economics; Asian Studies; Digital Communications and Networking
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sis_research/10101; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sis_research/article/11101/viewcontent/10_1108_jebde_05_2024_0013.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to discuss the “learning nation” concept and examine the characteristics and implications of using the “learning” premodifier in this nation-building program.Design/methodology/approachThis article reviews how the “learning” aspect is inter-related to a series of national information and communication technology masterplans and includes a comparative analysis of the related premodifier “smart” as Singapore sets forth its ambition to become a “smart nation” as part of the digitalization megatrend. A print media indicator and Google Trends form part of the methodology to ascertain the rise of digital technology over a certain period. The former technique involves identifying relevant bibliographic databases and analyzing the volume of publications. The latter technique is a real time index of the volume of queries that users input into Google.FindingsIt is suggested that using the term “learning nation” previously and more recently “smart nation” is a consequence of the rise of the digitalization megatrend. The “smart-ness” involves learning about digital technologies, developing digital competencies and harnessing the benefits of these digital capabilities. From a public policy perspective, the article showcases how a city-state can transform itself through technology by riding on megatrends. Also, there is a need to be selective in developing specific areas for the application of digital technologies.Originality/valueThis article contributes to a better understanding on the frequent usage of the word “learning” as a premodifier and Singapore’s nation-building journey through human capital development and digitalization.