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Glocalism, A Game-Changer?
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is more important than ever for businesses and communities to be able to adapt to the needs and demands of both their local surroundings and the wider world. This is where the concept of “glocalism” comes in.
Glocalism is a term that refers to the process of thinking globally while acting locally. It emphasizes the importance of combining global knowledge and resources with local expertise and perspectives to drive innovation and economic growth. This approach recognizes that local communities and businesses have unique strengths and challenges that must be addressed in order to create sustainable growth.
There are numerous examples of glocalism in action. One such example is the revitalization of Rust Belt cities in the United States. These cities were once thriving manufacturing hubs, but they were hit hard by globalization and the outsourcing of jobs to cheaper overseas markets. In recent years, however, many of these cities have turned to glocalism as a way to reinvent themselves.
For instance, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a former steel town, local leaders have worked to attract new businesses and investment from the globe even including global talents while also promoting local talent and innovation. The city has become a hub for cutting-edge technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, entertainment technology, and biotechnology like a stem cell globally, while also investing in infrastructure projects like bike lanes and green spaces to create a more livable urban environment. The result has been a revitalized local economy and a new sense of pride in the community.
Another example of glocalism in action can be found in the Netherlands. The Dutch government has long been a champion of regional innovation, investing heavily in programs to support local startups and small businesses. At the same time, the country has also become a global leader in sustainable agriculture, developing innovative techniques for growing food in densely populated urban areas. By combining global knowledge and resources with local expertise, the Netherlands has created a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Global-scale industrial testbeds
To enable glocalism, it is essential to adopt global-scale industrial testbeds in emerging technologies and knowledge. The global-scale industrial testbeds can help businesses and communities to experiment with new technologies and business models in a controlled environment. They can also facilitate collaboration between companies, researchers, and other stakeholders from around the globe to accelerate innovation and knowledge sharing.
In Spain, Sweden, Arizona State of the US, etc., global-scale industrial testbeds have proven to be effective in enabling glocalism in several areas, including smart cities, renewable energy, and digital manufacturing. For example, in the smart city domain, testbeds have been used to develop and test new solutions for energy management, transportation, and public safety. In renewable energy, testbeds have helped to accelerate the development of new technologies, such as advanced solar cells and energy storage systems. In digital manufacturing, testbeds have enabled companies to experiment with new production processes and supply chain models. Many global innovators are visiting these testbeds and staying to test their innovative projects in real-world perspectives.
Moreover, global-scale industrial testbeds can also help to bridge the gap between academia and industry globally by facilitating collaboration between researchers and businesses. This can lead to new innovations and breakthroughs in emerging technologies and knowledge, which can in turn drive economic growth and competitiveness of the region.
Ultimately, the combination of glocalism and industrial testbeds offers a powerful framework for overcoming many of the barriers to regional innovation and economic prosperity. By combining global knowledge and resources with local expertise and perspectives, businesses and communities can create sustainable growth and build stronger, more resilient economies. As the world becomes more interconnected, glocalism and industrial testbeds are sure to become increasingly important tools for success.
The phenomenon of glocalism
The phenomenon of glocalism has been gaining momentum in recent years due to its ability to offer a unique perspective for companies and countries to balance global and local interests. Glocalism is an approach that combines global knowledge and resources with local expertise and insights, allowing businesses and communities to adapt to local conditions while still remaining connected to the global economy. This approach has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its ability to offer a practical solution to the challenges that arise from balancing global and local interests.
The framework of international, global, multinational, and transnational can be used to assess the degree of transnational progress in business and public administration. While the world was trending toward the global stage before the COVID-19 pandemic, recent events have led to a shift back to the international stage. This shift has been driven by factors such as protectionism, the US-China trade war, and the pandemic. Despite digital transformation bringing the world closer together, countries are increasingly prioritizing their own interests over global collaboration.
Glocalism has emerged as a response to these trends, with the adoption of industrial testbeds in emerging technologies and knowledge offering businesses and communities a way to leverage global resources while maintaining connections to their local economies. This approach fosters innovation, creates sustainable economic growth, and helps balance the needs of local and global interests.
Glocalism represents an innovative phenomenon that goes beyond globalization, empowering companies, regions, and even countries to balance global and local perspectives, adapt to local conditions, and remain integrated into the global economy. As the world continues to evolve, glocalism will become increasingly important for success, breaking down barriers between regions and cultures and driving innovation and economic growth.
In conclusion, glocalism provides a powerful approach to regional innovation and prosperity by combining global and local perspectives. It can help businesses and communities create sustainable growth and build stronger, more resilient economies. As the world transitions towards nationalism, glocalism offers a way to balance global and local interests while remaining connected to the global economy. Adopting global-scale industrial testbeds in emerging technologies and knowledge can accelerate this transition and drive innovation and economic growth, providing an avenue for businesses and communities to thrive in a changing world.
© Dr. Young D. Lee
mynyet.org 