Strategic Modelling for High-Technology Sectors

• Iftekhar Alam

  Indian Navy

  Author

• Raphael Ziro Mwatela

  National Defence University - Kenya

  Author

• Paul Gachanja

  Kenyatta University

  Author

This paper presents a quantified strategic model to support emerging economies in enhancing economic security and technological self-reliance in high-technology sectors, using the semiconductor industry as a primary case study. Situated in the context of intensifying US-China geopolitical competition, the study analyses the readiness of India and Kenya to develop resilient semiconductor ecosystems. A mixed-methods approach, combining literature review, stakeholder surveys, and expert validation, informs the development of a weighted scoring model that captures the influence of geopolitical dynamics, domestic capabilities, and regional collaboration on economic outcomes. Findings reveal that, while India demonstrates moderate readiness through policy initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, significant gaps remain in R&D investment and advanced manufacturing. Kenya, though at an earlier stage, demonstrates potential through digital infrastructure projects like Konza Technopolis, but faces foundational challenges in capacity building and policy alignment. The study further generalises the model to other high-tech sectors such as renewable energy, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence, offering a scalable framework for policymakers. By identifying priority areas and proposing a structured implementation roadmap, this study contributes actionable insights for emerging economies seeking to navigate technological transitions and build resilient, globally competitive high-tech industries. 

1. Iftekhar Alam, Indian Navy

   Iftekhar Alam ‘ndc’ (K) is a senior military officer of the Indian Navy.

2. Raphael Ziro Mwatela , National Defence University - Kenya

   Dr. Raphael Ziro Mwatela is a Senior Researcher at the National Defence University–Kenya, specialising in international politics, diplomacy, security studies, regional integration, and China–Africa relations. He has published widely on East African Community dynamics, refugee challenges, cross-border security, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Africa, contributing to policy and scholarly discourse on security and development in the African context.

3. Paul Gachanja, Kenyatta University

   Dr. Paul Mwangi Gachanja is Senior Lecturer at the School of Economics at Kenyatta University, where he also chairs the Department of Economic Theory. Holding BA, MA, and PhD degrees in Economics from Kenyatta University, he specialises in microeconomic theory, quantitative methods, productivity and efficiency analysis, and development economics. Dr. Gachanja has published extensively, contributed to curriculum design, supervised numerous postgraduate students, and is a regular commentator on economic issues in Kenya.

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