Modernization Policy

Abstract

First comes, first gains (German proverb). No way is impossible to courage (American proverb). The main purpose of the policy study in the modernization science is to explore and find out the right or suitable way of the level-specific, field-related, and sector-relative modernization in the required time.

Appendices

Summary

The modernization science is not only an interdisciplinary science but also a science of strategy. The issue of modernization is a strategic one, and modernization strategies are grand strategies. Modernization policies, the application of modernization theories, represent an important part of the modernization science. The goal of modernization policies is not to change the world but create a new world in which all the people are equal and enjoy all-round development.

8.1.1 Modernization Evaluation

Modernization is just like an international marathon figuratively: Countries running ahead become advanced or developed countries, while the rest become developing ones; there is mobility between the two types of status. An objective evaluation of the modernization process makes it possible to monitor the process of modernization dynamically.

A modernization evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation of the process and outcomes of modernization. The basic idea is that the object to be evaluated is a complex system, so it is not enough to use just a single indicator. It is necessary to translate multiple indicators into a comprehensive index for evaluation. After statistical analysis, indicators can be converted into standard indexes which, through weighting and calculation, can be translated into a comprehensive index.

There are many types of modernization evaluation, and different principles and methods are employed.

An international evaluation targets worldwide modernization phenomena, the results of which highlight international comparability. An international evaluation of modernization usually includes level evaluation, stage evaluation, and process evaluation. A process evaluation includes the evaluation of innovation capacity, competitiveness, influence, etc.

An evaluation of modernization from the policy perspective usually includes performance evaluation, diagnosis evaluation, and policy effectiveness evaluation. Such evaluation is generally a practical goal-oriented one, highlighting policy orientation, pertinence, and operability.

8.1.2 Modernization Strategies

Modernization strategies are the means to achieve modernization goals. From the perspective of policy and national level, modernization refers to the world’s advanced level at present and the process to reach or keep this advanced level, while modernization strategies should provide the approaches to identify, catch up, reach, or keep the world’s advanced level continually.

Generally, modernization strategies are based on modernization theories, the development strategies are based on development theories. The former apply to all countries, while the latter are commonly seen in developing countries. Modernization strategies are related to yet different from development strategies.

A modernization goal is what is expected to be achieved through modernization in a future period of time. There are many types of goals such as strategic and planned goals, long-term and immediate goals, and dynamic and fixed goals. To set modernization goals, one country has to follow the laws governing modernization, figure out the world’s trends, and have a clear understanding of its level of modernization and national conditions.

A modernization plan is a blueprint for modernization in a future period and is intended to achieve modernization goals. It is the operational approach of modernization strategies. There are a great variety of modernization plans, for example, strategic and implementation plans, national and regional plans, field-specific plans, sector-specific plans, and special plans. In developing modernization plans, the laws governing modernization should be followed; objective conditions and the international environment should be taken into account.

The management of modernization strategies includes the management of the entire process from strategy formulation, strategy implementation, to strategy evaluation. It requires full cooperation between strategy makers and implementers as well as good information communication between them in the whole process.

8.1.3 Modernization Measures

The outstanding features of a modernization measure are its pertinence and timeliness. Different countries may select appropriate, innovative policies and measures according to their own conditions. Policy innovation and measure selection should follow modernization laws and comply with the basic national conditions and international environment. The first modernization, the second modernization, and the integrated modernization path differ from each other in policies and measures.

There are mainly three sources of policies and measures: theories, international experience, and policy innovation.

The life cycle of modernization policy has four stages: innovation stage, introduction stage, diverging stage, and secession stage.

There are five principles of innovation and selection: productivity, social progress, human development, environment friendliness, and competitiveness.

According to principles and ways of modernization and national advance, policy innovation and measure selection may have different priorities in different countries, regions, fields, and sectors in different stages. Generally, the focus should be on four aspects: everyone doing his best and fair competition, distribution according to contribution and adjustment as needed, promotion according to performance and selection according to public opinion, as well as making money perfectly, equality, and mutual benefit.

The option for advanced countries in the twenty-first century is the second modernization path which has multiple models and policy priorities.

Options for developing countries in the twenty-first century are the catch-up modernization path, the integrated modernization path, and the second modernization path, each having its unique models and policy priorities.

The ultimate goal of modernization science is to create a happier and better life with greater prosperity.

To change and to change for the better are two different things (German proverb).

The world is a ladder for some to go up and others to go down, and not to advance is to go back (English proverb).

Further Reading

• Clinton WJ, Gore A Jr (1994) Science in the national interest. Executive Office of the President. Office of Science and Technology Policy, Washington, DC

• David FR (1997) Concepts of strategic management, 6th edn. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ

• Harbison FH, Maruhnic J, Resnick JR (1970) Quantitative analyses of modernization and development. Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

• He C (2003) Oriental renaissance: three roads to the modernization. Commercial, Beijing

• Jesinghaus J (1999) A European system of environmental pressure indices. First volume of the environmental pressure indices handbook: the indicators. European Commission, Joint Research Centre. http://esl.jrc.it/envind/theory/handb_.htm. Accessed Oct 2009

• RGCMS (Research Group for China Modernization Strategies et al) (2010) China modernization report 2010: World modernization outline 1700–2100. Peking University Press, Beijing