Scientific advancement is possibly the single greatest factor for a countries prosperity, with relatively tiny countries like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan punching far above their weight because they have such a strong technical nature. So how could we emulate that drive in this country?
I think the biggest challenge is to get children interested in science, technology and engineering... and this shouldn't be too hard: science is cool!
My suggestion would be to have a South African series of Robot Wars. Probably drawing the competitors mostly from our universities. With RC being such a mainstream hobby, most of the materials and circutry required and readibly (and mostly cost effecitvely) available. Having something like this as a field trip would certainly encourage students to concentrate on their maths and science marks, which can only benefit our economy.
My favorite Robot Wars competior has to be Razor:
This guy is incredible... once, it even took out one of the house robots!!! Sugoi!
So, someone, please ... steal this idea... ^^
Another cool thing about the far east becoming the world's technology leader? Chances are that we'll end up with giant robots... I love giant robots!
-Odd
Living here in Jersey, fighting villains from afar/ You've gotta find first gear in your giant robot car / *You* dig giant robots / *I* dig giant robots / *We* dig giant robots / *Chicks* dig giant robots / Nice.