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How Jim O’Neill’s N-11 Opened My Eyes to Technology’s Role in Global Growth

  • Writer: Alvin Lourdes
    Alvin Lourdes
  • Sep 24, 2024
  • 4 min read

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September 24 2024

Recently, I had the chance to dive into Jim O’Neill’s fascinating exploration of the N-11 (Next Eleven) countries in his book - The Growth Map: Economic Opportunity in the BRICs and Beyond. What struck me most about the N-11 concept wasn’t just its focus on these emerging economies but how technology is the common thread weaving their future success together. The idea that these eleven countries—Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam—could become major global players by harnessing technology is both exciting and inspiring.


Key Lessons on Technology as Leverage

1. Technology as the Great Equalizer:

One of the key takeaways from O'Neill's book is how technology allows these countries to leapfrog traditional developmental hurdles. These economies don’t need to follow the same path as established powers like the U.S. or Western Europe. Instead, they can leverage technology as an accelerator. For example, Bangladesh and Vietnam have been able to rapidly scale their digital industries, bypassing decades of infrastructure limitations by directly integrating mobile technologies and internet services into their growth models. From mobile banking to e-commerce platforms, these nations are building on tech from the ground up rather than retrofitting existing systems.


2. Solving Local Challenges with Global Implications:

Several N-11 countries are already leveraging technology to address not only their own challenges but also problems with global significance. Take Nigeria, for instance, where fintech startups are revolutionizing access to financial services. With nearly half the population unbanked, the country's fintech sector is poised to bring financial inclusion to millions, with ripple effects that could influence the rest of Africa. Similarly, Mexico and Indonesia are using smart technology and data analytics to address urban challenges like traffic congestion and pollution. These countries are showing how tech solutions can be scaled to tackle global challenges like financial inclusion, healthcare access, and climate change resilience.


3. Youth and Innovation:

The N-11 countries are home to some of the world’s youngest populations, and this youth dividend is paired with a hunger for innovation. Egypt and Pakistan stand out in this regard, with booming tech startup ecosystems that are developing homegrown solutions for everything from education technology to logistics. The entrepreneurial spirit in these countries is tech-driven and scalable, particularly when combined with the widespread adoption of mobile technology and cloud computing. The sheer potential for innovation in these youth-dominated countries positions them as future global tech hubs.


Which N-11 Countries are Poised to Solve the World’s Biggest Challenges?

While all N-11 countries have unique strengths, a few stand out for their potential to solve major global issues:

  • Nigeria: The country’s advancements in fintech and renewable energy place it at the forefront of solving two critical global challenges—financial inclusion and sustainable energy. Startups like Paystack (recently acquired by Stripe) are making waves by democratizing access to financial services in Africa, while Nigeria’s push toward solar energy solutions has the potential to reshape energy access across the continent.


  • Vietnam: Vietnam’s rapid embrace of digital manufacturing and AI makes it a key player in addressing global supply chain challenges. Its tech sector is growing exponentially, with major investments in AI research and smart manufacturing solutions that could revolutionize global trade and logistics.


  • Mexico: Mexico is becoming a global leader in agritech and climate tech. With its focus on agricultural innovation and renewable energy technologies, Mexico has the potential to combat both food insecurity and climate change on a global scale. Initiatives like smart irrigation and precision farming are already transforming agriculture and could lead to breakthroughs in sustainable food production.


  • Indonesia: As one of the world’s largest archipelagos, Indonesia faces unique environmental challenges but is turning to clean tech and smart city solutions to address them. The country's innovations in waste management, clean energy, and urban planning could provide blueprints for other coastal and island nations facing the impact of climate change.


Why Technology Will Drive the N-11 into the Future

What makes the N-11 so unique is their opportunity to build tech-first economies. These countries are not burdened by legacy infrastructure, meaning they can incorporate the latest technological advancements into their growth strategies from the start. They are already adapting to the global digital economy faster than many would have expected.


The emergence of AI, IoT, blockchain, and clean energy technologies in these nations represents more than just progress. It’s about creating economies that can both compete globally and provide solutions for some of the most pressing global challenges. This confluence of innovation, young populations, and untapped potential positions the N-11 to be critical drivers of global growth in the coming decades.


My Personal Takeaway

Reading Jim O’Neill’s N-11 has reinforced my belief that technology, more than any other factor, is the lever that will propel these countries forward. As an immigrant who has witnessed the transformative power of technology over the past three decades, I am excited to see how these countries will use tech to rewrite their futures. The future isn't about catching up—it's about leaping ahead, and the N-11 are poised to do just that.

At NAC-TI, we are working with some of the biggest players in tech and policy to make this quantum leap a reality. Our goal is to empower innovators and entrepreneurs in these emerging markets, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and partnerships necessary to build a more equitable and digital world. It’s an exciting time, and the future has never looked brighter.



 
 
 

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