CriticalThought
SENIOR MEMBER
- Oct 10, 2016
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One of the cornerstones of Imran Khan's plan for economic overhaul is the grand housing scheme, which envisages the construction of 5 million houses in five years. Per news items in recent months, various options ranging from external investment to government funding have been propose for financing this project. The main issue with this plan is that it leads to economic churn within the country. At best, money changes hands within the country, and at worst, foreign investors take away money without contributing towards net exports.
Here, we propose a materials science approach towards economic revival, scientific accomplishment, and strengthening the country's manufacturing base. They key idea is that materials science is labor intensive, whereas cheap labor is available within Pakistan. The country needs to invite experts in the field of materials science to setup research centers for both exploring new materials, as well as recreating exotic materials that we currently need to import. The experts should systematically propose materials in terms of ratios of various basic elements, and the methods used to combine them. This will be utilized by teams of trained technicians who will be provided the materials and the tools needed to combine them. The technicians will then perform tests on attributes such as hardness, toughness, strength, melting point, conductivity etc. The same tests should be performed by three separate teams across the country for cross-verification. Any new materials discovered should be internationally patented through a central patenting body. The resulting database of materials and properties can then be used by downstream industries per their specific requirements. We will need to establish foundries, and chemical plants for production. Exports to other countries can be explored, bringing in foreign exchange and prestige for the country.
This plan parallels many of the key features of Khan's housing scheme. Friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia can benefit from it, so it can ensure inflows of foreign investment. It will provide impetus to many associated industries, thus increasing economic activity within the country, leading to job creation. But in contrast to the housing scheme, it will also create a pool of highly sophisticated labor, contribute towards foreign exchange, and will increase the might of the country by removing foreign dependence for key materials.
It is important to note that a number of our military programs today are hindered by the unavailability of materials. A fifth generation fighter requires knowledge of appropriate materials that meet stringent requirements. Similarly for indigenous engine development, tanks, submarines etc. It is a subject that is too broad to be dealt by single entities such as PAC, HIT, and POF. Thus, the military should have much interest in contributing towards this program. It can be a model of civil-military partnership that would be truly game changing for the country.
I hope relevant authorities will take notice, and show foresight and wisdom in pursuing programs that have long lasting effects on the economic well-being of the country.
Here, we propose a materials science approach towards economic revival, scientific accomplishment, and strengthening the country's manufacturing base. They key idea is that materials science is labor intensive, whereas cheap labor is available within Pakistan. The country needs to invite experts in the field of materials science to setup research centers for both exploring new materials, as well as recreating exotic materials that we currently need to import. The experts should systematically propose materials in terms of ratios of various basic elements, and the methods used to combine them. This will be utilized by teams of trained technicians who will be provided the materials and the tools needed to combine them. The technicians will then perform tests on attributes such as hardness, toughness, strength, melting point, conductivity etc. The same tests should be performed by three separate teams across the country for cross-verification. Any new materials discovered should be internationally patented through a central patenting body. The resulting database of materials and properties can then be used by downstream industries per their specific requirements. We will need to establish foundries, and chemical plants for production. Exports to other countries can be explored, bringing in foreign exchange and prestige for the country.
This plan parallels many of the key features of Khan's housing scheme. Friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia can benefit from it, so it can ensure inflows of foreign investment. It will provide impetus to many associated industries, thus increasing economic activity within the country, leading to job creation. But in contrast to the housing scheme, it will also create a pool of highly sophisticated labor, contribute towards foreign exchange, and will increase the might of the country by removing foreign dependence for key materials.
It is important to note that a number of our military programs today are hindered by the unavailability of materials. A fifth generation fighter requires knowledge of appropriate materials that meet stringent requirements. Similarly for indigenous engine development, tanks, submarines etc. It is a subject that is too broad to be dealt by single entities such as PAC, HIT, and POF. Thus, the military should have much interest in contributing towards this program. It can be a model of civil-military partnership that would be truly game changing for the country.
I hope relevant authorities will take notice, and show foresight and wisdom in pursuing programs that have long lasting effects on the economic well-being of the country.
