Development means the growth and progress of a country. It can be measured by a number of factors including culture, wealth, education, healthcare and opportunities. In terms of economics it can be defined by the HDI (human development index) and GDP (Gross domestic product). Traditionally ‘development’ has been used to categorize countries into first, second or third world and North and South, however these distinctions are problematic in that there is a ‘development continuum’ whereby all countries need to strive to be self-sufficient, sustainable and democratic.
The process of development requires an understanding of the interconnectedness of systems and how they affect each other – a perspective that is increasingly becoming recognised in the field of complexity science. This reframes the development agenda so that it becomes more about developing people and communities rather than ‘developing countries’ and recognises that we need to address the root causes of global poverty if we are to achieve sustainable, equitable and democratic development.
In a personal context, consistent professional development helps you learn to set SMART goals for yourself that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. This enables you to take control of your own career progression, making small changes that lead to bigger results.