Convergence and Intellectual Property

Triple convergence seems to encompass a fairly wide range of concepts, however, to put it simply: convergence is the unifying of individuals, communities, and countries through the use of technology.  Even 20 years ago the theory that we could communicate with others from around the world seemed like magic.  Today, not only can we converse, but also we use the accessibility to pursue inventions.  There is no need to limit the brainpower used to create new and improved technology, now a technician can bounce ideas off of another specialist of his kind in India.  This idea will be further explored later on. 

            I wish not to restate what Friedman writes in his book, however I feel it has a profound message that we can all learn from.   In India, before the process of Triple Convergence began, thousands of students were preparing for and executing their dreams of becoming doctors and various other ambitious professionals.  They were halted however in their lack of ability to excel in their profession and to perform what they had learned.  When the countries began to converge a massive ‘explosion’ of talent and progress in education occurred.  We were all now able to work as a team in every aspect imaginable.  Convergence plays a role in every human being’s life who has and will walk on this earth, I think more so than we will ever comprehend.

            As a result of convergence there have been many circumstances arise that were unexpected, such as the situation between India and Indiana.  There still is a need for countries, states, communities, and individuals to be independent to an extent.  However, what is that point and how do we establish it?  In the case between India and Indiana, Indiana was striving to become more independent and provide more jobs for its citizens.  There was too much outsourcing taking place, therefore they sought to “hire a consulting firm... to upgrade the unemployment department of the state of Indiana” (Friedman 240).  And guess who was hired for the job?  India.  They outsourced to solve the problem outsourcing was causing their state.  The government workers jumped all over the issue.  However, in my opinion, it was one of the greatest things that could have happened to America.  It was a harsh lesson to learn, however, we ought to do all we can to maintain our independence and support our people while still sustaining relations with other countries in order to advance the world as a whole.  This, again, is a delicate balance, which we still have yet to maintain. 

            This leads into my last and final point regarding the need to share thoughts, work, and findings.  It is human nature to keep successful findings to ourselves, to take the pride and credit for things that are our own, and rightfully so.  However, in order to succeed as a team (the world) we must be willing to play as a team.  Intellectual property is one of the new occurrences that has caught us off guard.  Suddenly information, which is placed online to be shared amongst one another, is property and must be protected.  It is blatantly illegal for an individual to walk into their neighbors’ home and swipe the $40 off of the coffee table.  Why? Because the owner earned that money, and it rightfully belongs to them to be spent as they see fit.  What is the difference between earned money and earned ideas and creations?  The creations are simply in a different location and presented in a different form.  An individuals possessions not only includes physical items and money in the bank, but also intellectual property.  Respect for one is just as important as respect for the other.