Rehman Khan

The digital revolution refers to the rapid advancement and widespread adoption of digital technologies, such as the internet, mobile devices, and various applications and platforms that have transformed the way we live, work, and interact. This era has brought about significant changes in various aspects of society, including communication, business operations, education, healthcare, and entertainment.

For a developing country, the digital revolution is critical due to the potential to leapfrog traditional barriers to development. By embracing digital technologies, developing countries can accelerate economic growth, improve access to education and healthcare, enhance governance and public services, and create opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

One of the key aspects of the digital revolution is the democratization of information and knowledge. Through digital platforms and the internet, individuals in developing countries can access a wealth of information, educational resources, and skill-building opportunities that were previously inaccessible. This can lead to more informed and empowered citizens, contributing to social and economic development.

Moreover, the digital revolution can enable developing countries to participate in the global economy on more equal footing. E-commerce and digital trade allow businesses in developing countries to reach international markets, creating opportunities for export-led growth and job creation. Additionally, digital platforms can facilitate access to financial services, enabling greater financial inclusion and economic empowerment for underserved populations.

In the context of governance and public services, digital technologies can improve transparency, efficiency, and accessibility. E-government initiatives can streamline administrative processes, reduce corruption, and enhance the delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.

Furthermore, the digital revolution can spur innovation and entrepreneurship in developing countries. It can lower barriers to entry for startups and small businesses, allowing them to reach customers and collaborators globally. This can create new opportunities for economic diversification and job creation, driving inclusive growth.

Therefore, the digital revolution is critical for developing countries as it offers pathways to economic, social, and political development. By embracing digital technologies, these countries can overcome traditional barriers and harness the potential for inclusive growth, improved governance, and enhanced quality of life for their citizens.

The global conversation and concerted efforts have been directed towards the digital revolution, e-commerce, online expansion, and artificial intelligence in recent times. Pakistan stands as a potential beneficiary poised to capitalize on this demand, given its demographic advantage of nearly 110 million people below the age of 30, representing a generation comfortable with the prevalent smartphone culture.

The IT industry in Pakistan presents a significant opportunity for absorbing and leveraging this tech-savvy generation. With an estimated potential of $15 billion in IT exports, the current target of $5 billion falls short, and the actual performance is projected to reach only $3-4 billion. In comparison, India’s export of digitally delivered services reached $257 billion in 2023, while Pakistan’s total export of products and services peaked at $31 billion in 2022.

While comparing Pakistan’s IT industry with India’s might seem ambitious, assessing it against its own potential is a fair evaluation. Unlike traditional sectors facing declining demand, the IT industry represents a growing field and aligns naturally with the skills of a generation born in the digital era.

Furthermore, the IT industry provides a strategic advantage by covering for the low linguistic proficiency of the average graduate and offers a potential solution to Pakistan’s financial challenges, particularly with the IMF. By making a few policy and banking regulation adjustments, Pakistan could potentially increase its IT exports by $2 to 3 billion, providing interest-free revenue, employment opportunities, and economic expansion without the accompanying conditionalities.

To fully realize this potential, Pakistan needs to address several key areas to remove obstacles and foster growth:

1. Country Branding: Pakistan should be marketed as the next IT haven through a targeted social media campaign highlighting its advantages. Notably, Pakistan ranks as the second most financially attractive IT & ITeS outsourcing destination globally and is also recognized as a significant supplier of digital labor, including software development and technology services. Leveraging data analytics for a precise social media campaign targeting potential buyers and investors can position Pakistan as an affordable and accessible option.

2. Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying the process of setting up and running IT businesses in Pakistan is essential to encourage local IT growth. Addressing challenges such as higher interest rates, inflation, banking hurdles, and unnecessary restrictions, along with facilitating ease of travel, can significantly boost IT exports. Introducing special concessionary packages for SMEs in the IT sector, including tax concessions and credit availability, can further stimulate growth.

3. Leadership Mentoring and Coaching: Developing a sustainable plan for leadership mentoring and coaching is imperative to ensure the long-term success of IT companies. Many startups have experienced rapid rises and subsequent declines, reflecting a lack of maturity in leadership ranks. Visionary leadership is crucial, especially during times of political uncertainty, to steer companies towards sustained growth. Additionally, a shift from knee-jerk decision-making to structured thinking is essential for sustainable success.

4. HR Skills Gap: Addressing the quantitative and qualitative skills gap in the IT industry is critical. While the demand for tech graduates exceeds the current supply, only a small percentage of graduates meet international quality standards. Furthermore, there is a need for mindset and behavioral training in addition to technical proficiency. Implementing fast-track banking facilitation for the IT sector and mandatory HR training and development regulations can help bridge these gaps and propel the industry forward.

Finally, Pakistan’s IT industry presents a ripe opportunity for economic growth and employment generation. By prioritizing the development of the IT sector and addressing the identified challenges, Pakistan can shift its paradigm from traditional financial dependencies to leveraging its IT potential for sustainable economic development. It is the fastest and shortest way for Pakistan to develop internationally. Pakistani students have proven their talent in the field, and if provided with opportunities, they can grow and make Pakistan a successful country in this regard. Therefore, the federal and provincial departments must facilitate the youth to grow in the field.