What are the characteristics of the knowledge economy? What are the academic topics in the Geography curricula at the upper secondary level in Vietnam?
What are the characteristics of the knowledge economy?
1. Characteristics of the knowledge economy:
The knowledge economy is characterized by the widespread use of information technology, the strong development of knowledge-based industries (such as software, finance, and high-tech healthcare), and the shift from a traditional production economy to a service and digital economy.
2. Characteristics of the knowledge economy
2.1. Knowledge becomes the main resource of the economy
- In a traditional economy, natural resources, labor, and capital are the most important factors. However, in knowledge economy, knowledge becomes the decisive factor for productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth.
- Countries and businesses not only focus on exploiting resources but also seek to create new knowledge, intellectual property, and inventions to maximize economic value.
- Leading global companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple have demonstrated that their most important asset is not physical infrastructure but intellectual human resources and creativity.
2.2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a core role
- Information and communication technology (ICT) is the foundation of the knowledge economy. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) help businesses and nations collect, process, and utilize knowledge effectively.
- Thanks to technology, information can be quickly transmitted globally, helping businesses easily expand markets and leverage knowledge from various sources.
- Businesses do not only produce physical products but also create value from data, software, and digital services. For instance, e-commerce platforms like Amazon or streaming services like Netflix use data to optimize user experience and increase revenue.
2.3. Dependence on Innovation and Research & Development (R&D)
- Innovation is the main driving force propelling the knowledge economy. Successful businesses and countries in this economy heavily invest in research and development (R&D) to create new technologies, products, and services.
- Large tech companies such as Tesla, Google, and Apple continually develop new inventions to maintain competitive positions and expand markets.
- Countries like the USA, Japan, and South Korea have strong R&D support policies, encouraging collaboration between businesses, universities, and the government to create technological breakthroughs.
2.4. High-quality human resources play a decisive role
- In the knowledge economy, the quality of human resources is more important than quantity. Workers need to have high expertise, data analysis skills, creative thinking, and the ability to adapt to new technologies.
- Education and training become key elements in developing the knowledge economy. Countries like Singapore, Finland, and South Korea have succeeded by investing heavily in education and technology skills training for workers.
- High-value jobs in the knowledge economy mainly lie in fields such as information technology, finance, scientific research, digital technology, and high-tech healthcare.
2.5. Transition from a production economy to a service economy
- In the knowledge economy, the service sectors increasingly occupy a larger proportion of the economic structure. Services such as finance, education, high-tech healthcare, management consulting, e-commerce, and digital entertainment are strongly developing.
- Products are not only physical goods but also digital services, such as software, digital content (videos, music, e-books), and online platforms.
- Developed countries like the USA, Japan, and South Korea have strongly transitioned from an industrial production economy to knowledge economy, with a large portion of GDP coming from services and high technology sectors.
2.6. Globalization and borderless connectivity potential
- Globalization is an important feature of the knowledge economy. Thanks to technology, businesses and individuals can easily access knowledge, resources, and customers globally.
- Start-ups do not need to be present in multiple countries but can still provide services globally through digital platforms, such as Spotify, Airbnb, or Zoom.
- This also creates more intense global competition, requiring businesses and countries to continuously innovate to maintain competitive advantage.
2.7. Protecting intellectual property rights becomes increasingly important
- Copyrights, patents, trademarks, and digital data become important assets in the knowledge economy. Therefore, protecting intellectual property rights (IP) is a core element helping businesses and nations safeguard their knowledge and creativity.
- Intellectual property disputes between large technology corporations or countries (e.g., between the USA and China) highlight the important role of IP protection in the knowledge economy.
- Intellectual property policies need strong enforcement to encourage creativity and protect the interests of knowledge creators.
Note: The content is for reference only!
What are the characteristics of the knowledge economy? What are the academic topics in the Geography curricula at the upper secondary level in Vietnam? (Image from Internet)
What are the academic topics in the Geography curricula at the upper secondary level in Vietnam?
Under the General Education Program issued together with Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDDT, the academic topics in the Geography curricula at the upper secondary level in Vietnam include:
| Topic Name | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
| Topic 10.1: Climate Change | x | ||
| Topic 10.2: Urbanization | x | ||
| Topic 10.3: Geographic Report Writing Methodology | x | ||
| Topic 11.1: Issues in Southeast Asia (Mekong River Commission; Peaceful Cooperation in Exploiting the South China Sea) |
x | ||
| Topic 11.2: Global Tourism Issues | x | ||
| Topic 11.3: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4.0) | x | ||
| Topic 12.1: Natural Disasters and Prevention Measures | x | ||
| Topic 12.2: Regional Development | x | ||
| Topic 12.3: Development of Craft Villages | x |
What are the basic features of the Geography subject in Vietnam?
Under section 1 of the General education program in Geography issued under Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDDT, the basic features of the Geography subject in Vietnam are as follows:
- Geography education is implemented at all levels of general education. In primary and lower secondary levels, geography education content is integrated into the History&Geography subject.
- In the upper secondary level, Geography is a subject within the social science group, selected based on student's interests and career orientation.
- Geography is part of both social sciences (Economic-Social Geography) and natural sciences (Physical Geography), helping students gain a basic understanding of geographical sciences, related occupations, and the ability to apply geographical knowledge in life;
Simultaneously, it consolidates and expands the core general knowledge and skills foundation formed in the basic education stage, providing a solid basis for students to continue in geography-related careers.
