The Cognitive Age

Some politicians like to blame the current weak economy on globalization, outsourcing and free trade. Yet such blame relies on a limited definition of globalization and overlooks the contribution of technology, suggests David Brooks of the New York Times. In particular, Brooks rejects protectionism as any solution for economic woes. Technology has made it feasible for workers anywhere in the world to access and work with information, but the efficiency of outsourcing depends on a worker’s ability to process that information. This new Cognitive Age prizes human capital – the talent, training and experience of employees. “The globalization paradigm leads people to see economic development as a form of foreign policy, as a grand competition between nations and civilizations,” writes Brooks. “But the cognitive age paradigm emphasizes psychology, culture and pedagogy – the specific processes that foster learning.” The most skilled workers will nimbly move about the globe, avoiding constraints and contributing innovation. Nationalism, protectionism and politics that rely on short-term gimmicks or resentment cannot deliver prosperity. Protectionism won’t make a populace smarter and could even drive the most intelligent away. – YaleGlobal