Promoting advanced technology in Asia

For nearly 50 years, Asian Development Bank has supported its developing member countries as they strive to close their infrastructure gaps. Building on the progress made over that time, these countries now recognise the importance of adopting higher technical specifications and advanced technology in infrastructure projects. But they are often unaware of technology options and can be deterred by high initial costs. 

On recent visits to Nordic countries, Portugal, Spain and Austria, I had the opportunity to meet with CEOs of companies that use advanced technologies to build bridges, power plants, and water and sewage systems. These companies have been operating for decades in many parts of the world including Asia, investing continuously in technology innovation. I was impressed by their enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge and experience with Asian countries. So, why not learn more from such innovative companies from around the world and involve them in delivering better infrastructure for improved public services in our region?

There are at least three reasons for designing and executing projects with advanced technologies in developing Asia. 

First and foremost is the need to address climate change effectively - through mitigation as well as adaptation. Without the use of frontier technologies, the targets set last December at the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP 21) will not be achieved. We need to provide energy for all while cutting CO2 emissions, in line with a UN-led initiative. This requires countries to invest more in new and cleaner technologies, including renewable energy, smart grids, and energy efficiency. They also need innovative urban transport solutions such as integrated multi-modal transit systems and electric vehicles.

Second is the demonstration and development impact of projects with advanced technologies. Higher standard infrastructure can help countries move up the quality ladder, establishing models that can be replicated through their own resources. While ADB is increasing its annual financing capacity by 50 percent to at least $20 billion by 2020, the needs of developing countries remain far higher. ADB and other multilateral institutions can maximise development impact by supporting the spread of higher technology. 

The third reason, at a more practical level, is the cost incurred over the life-cycle of infrastructure assets. The higher initial investment cost of projects with advanced technologies often leads countries to opt instead for less expensive lower technology solutions. But these initial savings may be illusory, as they do not account for other costs - often quite significant - such as maintenance and replacement. 

Through a three-pronged action plan, ADB will help developing Asia adopt advanced technology. 

First, we will strengthen our support for project design to balance cost, quality and sustainability considerations over the life-cycle of infrastructure assets. To accelerate this shift, projects with advanced technology or "green" content will be prioritised for ADB-financing. 

An example is the recently approved $1 billion India Green Energy Corridor and Grid Strengthening Project, which adopts high voltage direct current transmission technology to improve efficiency and reduce transmission losses as well as carbon emissions. The Sri Lanka Jaffna Kilinochchi Water Supply and Sanitation Project will install a desalination plant to treat sea water for potable water supply, using semipermeable membranes to separate salts from the water. Metro projects in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam will result in cleaner, more efficient and integrated urban transport systems. The $1 billion Railway Investment Programme in China included installation of braking systemsthat enhanced energy efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions over the life-cycle of the railway.

Second, in procurement arrangements, ADB will place greater emphasis on the quality of consultants to ensure countries get access to the best expertise in the latest advanced technologies. We will also make increased use of single contractor arrangements such as turnkey contracts. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent focus on quality, as the same contractor will handle engineering, procurement and construction.

Third, we will provide more expertise on innovative approaches. The region's middle-income countries can already finance their projects at a reasonable cost through financial markets. Unless ADB can effectively combine finance with knowledge and expertise, we will not add value. ADB itself must continue to build up solid knowledge and expertise.

For this purpose, I have established seven sector groups such as energy, transport and urban, as well as eight thematic groups such as climate change and public-private partnership within ADB. These groups will provide leadership in our knowledge work, advise countries, drive innovation in our projects, and build partnerships with centres of excellence and other institutions. In addition, our human resource department has recently started an experts pool system to recruit highly specialised talents in such areas as smart grids, railways, and water utility management.

Asia already accounts for half of the world's population, one-third of global GDP and the same share of global emissions. As it is growing rapidly, it could reach half of global GDP and an even higher share of global emissions by 2050. 

Asia's performance matters greatly. It is time for transformative action to build a smarter, more sustainable Asia and Pacific region through more advanced technology. ADB will play an important role in this effort by partnering with innovative companies and institutions from around the world.

The writer is President of the Asian Development Bank.