07. First and third worlds go more together
What it Is:
As middle-class staples like cars, computers and phones become more accessible to society’s have-nots, distinctions between the first and third worlds will grow increasingly murky. The following innovations will help tip the balance:
The cheap mobile phone (15 euros) reaching out to 1 billion new owners. The cheap laptop (under 150 euros) accessible to a wide population of poor children and school - in Libya, Uruguay, Rwanda and Peru. The cheap Tata Motor car Nano (1800 euros) that will lead to a 65% growth of car owners in India to start with.
In co-operation with Lois Saldana
Why it's cool:
It is simply good news for the 800 million people worldwide who earn between $3,600 to $11,000 a year. These devices will help them increase their productivity, become technologically literate and gain marketable skills—making it easier to break the poverty barrier.
Science of the Time’s interpretation:
This is the rise of low cost society. It will come with more pressure on the world’s resources. But it definitely will empower many ambitious and formerly too poor world members. At the same time it is an invitation to the former First World to think hard about how to keep advances.{/exp:shj_imgmodifier}