Nora: Hey John, Professor Brown asked us to discuss the economic gap between the rich and poor nations. But I don’t know what to say in the seminar.
John: If you don’t know anything, don’t say anything.
Nora: But participation counts for 20 percent of the total grade. Will you tell me what you’re going to talk about?
John: Will, according to a report by the World Economic Forum, the technology gap between rich and poor countries is closing.
Nora: Sounds too good to be true. Only a few years ago, I heard that the gap between the North and the South was widening. Many people in developing countries are still struggling below the poverty line.
John: Different people may have different opinions on this issue. The World Bank also says the gap is narrowing.
Nora: Still, it sounds stange to me. How could it be possible now that the United States and other industrialized nations are developing IT so fast?
John: But it’s easier for others to copy new technology. Experts say the technological3advantages of the developed countries are getting smaller.
Nora: I’m still unconvinced. Does a narrower technology gap nessarily mean a narrower economic gap?
John: Today, information tecnology is the most powerfull engine for economic growth, so the narrowed technology gap leads to a narrowed economic gap.
Nora: OK, I’ve learned a lot from you. Now I feel more confident about the seminar.
