Nobel Laureate Professor Paul Michael Romer recently visited India and praised the country’s digital revolution, noting the government’s significant role in transforming the lives of its citizens. He commended India’s unique approach to digital innovation, which has benefited all sections of society, unlike many other countries globally. Romer highlighted initiatives such as UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and DigiYatra, which have made daily life more efficient and accessible, offering valuable lessons for other nations, especially those in the Global South.
Romer emphasized that countries in the Global South should look to India as an example of digital transformation, showcasing how they too can shape their own digital future. He encouraged these countries to have the confidence and ambition to implement similar initiatives, such as creating Aadhaar-like numbers, to improve the quality of life for their citizens. Romer dispelled earlier apprehensions about India’s ability to implement sweeping digital reforms, stating that success is determined by a country’s capacity to make decisions and drive progress, as seen in Asian countries like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Reflecting on the role of the government in India’s digital progress, Romer noted that India’s approach contrasts with the hands-off stance taken by Western nations. He highlighted the pivotal role of government leadership in driving digital development, citing examples from history such as the innovation of safe air travel, where government intervention was necessary for the private sector to thrive. Romer stressed the importance of government cooperation with the private sector to ensure that the benefits of the digital revolution are maximized, as seen in countries like India where this collaboration has led to significant success.
Overall, Professor Paul Michael Romer’s visit to India showcased the country’s success in leveraging digital innovation to benefit all sections of society. He highlighted India as a model for other nations to follow in shaping their digital future, emphasizing the confidence and ambition needed to implement transformative initiatives. Romer’s insights on the essential role of government leadership in driving digital progress underscored the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to maximize the benefits of the digital revolution. India’s success story serves as an inspiration for countries around the world, demonstrating the transformative power of digital innovation when driven by strong government intervention and collaboration.
