Techno-nationalism is a concept focusing on the preservation of technological knowledge within national borders and prioritizing economic development. Introduced into the literature by Robert B. Reich in 1987, this concept highlights the role of technology in determining the economic, political, and military power of nation-states. In the modern world shaped by technological innovations, national interests take precedence, placing technology policies at the forefront. Historically, the concept is divided into two main periods: Techno-Nationalism and Neo-Techno-Nationalism.

^{An Image on Tech-Nationalism (Source: Artificial Intelligent)}

Components of Techno-Nationalism

State-Supported Policies

Techno-nationalism encompasses policies where the state plays an active role, particularly in strategically important industries. These include:

• R&D Incentives: Financial support provided by governments to promote national technology development programs.
• Tax Incentives: Tax advantages offered to innovative firms.
• Protection of Domestic Industries: Import restrictions and privileges for domestic companies.

National Innovation Systems

Governments adopt a technology-based development model by enhancing scientific and technical infrastructures. Collaboration among universities, state laboratories, and the private sector is crucial in strengthening national interests through scientific and technical communities.

Economic Development and Technology

Techno-nationalism links economic development with R&D investments and innovation. Countries engaging in innovation are assumed to be more competitive in the global market.

Classical Techno-Nationalism

This era primarily focuses on the mid-20th century and the Cold War period, characterized by the following features:

Key Features

• State-Centered Approach: Efforts to direct technological advancement through government intervention. Governments aimed to use technological superiority for military, economic, and strategic gains.
• Military Focus: During the Cold War, the technology race concentrated heavily on military applications (e.g., space race, nuclear weapon technologies). The United States and the Soviet Union were the primary actors of this era.
• Industrial Development: State-supported R&D investments encouraged domestic production. Technological independence was seen as a tool for economic growth.
• Protective Policies: Measures such as import quotas, subsidies for local production, and intellectual property protections were implemented to reduce dependency on foreign technologies.

Examples

• The U.S. Apollo Program in the 1960s marked a significant turning point in the race for technological superiority.
• Japan’s development of the electronics and automotive industries under the leadership of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

Neo-Techno-Nationalism

Neo-Techno-Nationalism emerged in the 21st century amid accelerating globalization, digitalization, and geopolitical competition. It is characterized by a modern approach.

Key Features

• Globalization and Competition: Technological development now occurs within global value chains. Neo-techno-nationalism emphasizes prioritizing national interests within these chains.
• Trade and Technology Competition: Notable examples include trade wars between the U.S. and China and competition in areas like 5G technology, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor production.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Governments support or control major technology companies (e.g., Huawei, Google, Tesla) to steer global competition.
• Intellectual Property and Data Security: Intellectual property rights and data protection policies are critical components of modern techno-nationalism. Data is viewed as a strategic element of national security.
• Sustainability and Technological Sovereignty: Renewable energy and green technologies play an increasingly prominent role in national strategies.

Examples

• China’s "Made in China 2025" strategy aims to establish global leadership in advanced technologies.
• The U.S. imposed restrictions on Chinese technology companies like Huawei and implemented sanctions in the semiconductor industry.

Advantages and Criticisms of Techno-Nationalism

Advantages

• Increased National Security: Protection of strategic technologies and strengthening of national defense capabilities.
• Economic Growth: Competitive production of high-tech products can lead to global prominence.
• Enhanced Innovation Capacity: Efficient use of domestic resources.

Criticisms

• Market Failures: Technological progress may not always yield the desired outcomes in targeted areas.
• Free-Riding: Other countries may benefit from innovations without contributing to their development.
• Lack of Collaboration: Nationally focused policies risk harming global technological progress.

Techno-nationalism is a vital approach for nation-states to enhance their economic and strategic power through technology. However, in this era of intense global integration, the limitations of this approach must be carefully evaluated.

Examples of Techno-Nationalist Policies Worldwide

1. United States

• "Buy American Act" and Defense Procurement Policies: The U.S. adopts techno-nationalist approaches by encouraging domestic production in public procurements, particularly in the defense industry.
• Export Restrictions on China: The U.S. has imposed export restrictions on advanced technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence to maintain its technological superiority.
• CHIPS and Science Act (2022): A $52 billion state incentive supporting semiconductor production and research to enhance the U.S.’s technological independence.

2. China

• "Made in China 2025" Strategy: China has increased R&D investments and promoted domestic production in high-tech sectors like robotics, biotechnology, and semiconductors to achieve global leadership.
• State-Supported Technology Companies: Financial incentives and subsidies for companies like Huawei and SMIC are part of China’s techno-nationalist strategy.
• Technology Transfer Policies: Regulations mandating technology transfer from foreign companies aim to boost local production and innovation.

3. Japan

• MITI’s Strategic Guidance: Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) played a crucial role in 20th-century technology development and industrialization. R&D incentives and public-private collaboration established Japan as a leader in technology.
• Support for Semiconductor Industry: Financial support to local companies in the semiconductor sector reduced dependency on countries like the U.S. and South Korea.

4. European Union (EU)

• Horizon Europe Program: This research and innovation program provides significant financial resources to local companies and researchers to promote technological independence in Europe.
• European Chips Act: A policy aimed at increasing Europe’s semiconductor production capacity and reducing dependency on global supply chains.

5. India

• "Make in India" Initiative: Government support in defense, telecommunications, and other high-tech sectors promotes domestic production and innovation.
• India’s Space Program (ISRO): State-funded space programs aim to enhance technological independence and foster national pride.

6. South Korea

• Support for Samsung and LG: The South Korean government offers tax incentives and research subsidies to local giants in the electronics and semiconductor industries, strengthening their global competitive position.
• Research and Innovation Strategies: Significant state investments in areas like 5G technology aim to establish South Korea as a global leader.

7. Türkiye

• Defense Industry and Technology Exports: State support for companies like ASELSAN and TUSAŞ exemplifies efforts to increase domestic production in defense technologies.
• TEKNOFEST and National Technology Initiative: Programs supporting young talents and domestic firms aim to foster innovation and enhance technological independence.

These policies exemplify techno-nationalist strategies adopted by countries to gain a competitive edge in the global technology race and protect national interests.