Technology Gaps among South East Asia Countries from the Perspective of Technology Achievement Index

Abstract

Countries within South East Asia regions have gaps in technology development, where how much the gaps exist is difficult to measure. This study explores the gap among countries utilising Technology Achievement Index as the main indicator and tool and analyse how discrepancies may occur. The results show large amount of data absences that makes acknowledging recent gaps difficult. Despite of data unavailability, gaps among countries are not as dreaded. Among all countries, Singapore still takes the lead of overall Technology Achievement Index compared to other South East Asia countries whilst Timor-Leste becomes the lowest of overall Technology Achievement Index. By knowing the gaps in the Technology Development in South East Asia, this study expected to give a contribution to technology policy makers so that developing countries in the South East Asia can have a room to continue to thrive in economic development because technology advancement is one of the significant factors in the economic growth of a country. Future regional agreements in South East Asia are needed to achieve mutual benefits of technology development especially for science and technology policy makers.