Technology for Development
Introduction
Defining Terms
Past Experience
Towards New Criteria
The New Criteria
Conclusion
Works Cited

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© Natkeeran L.Kanthan



Defining Terms:

To be clear about the terms, I use scientific technologies for technologies developed using science and expertise. Genetically modified seeds, electronic devices, and computers are examples of scientific technologies. Assembly production method, chemical manufacturing techniques, and "scientific management" are also scientific technologies.

About "2.8 billion people, or almost half of the world's population, live on less than $2 per day"[AKIN 10], and developing communities are where the majority of the population live on less than $2 per day.

I use technology transfer in an equivalent way as used in the report Methodological and Technological Issues in Technology Transfer by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a UN organization. The report defines technology transfer to mean [MTITT 55]

"the broad set of processes covering the flows of knowledge experience and equipment amongst different stakeholders such as governments, private sector entities, financial institutions, NGOs, and research/educational institutions."

"Technology cooperation" and "technology communication" imply the same meaning in a more liberal terminology. The report includes the following list as the "most common" mode of interaction where technology is transferred

  • direct purchases
  • licensing
  • franchising
  • foreign direct investment
  • sale of turn-key plants
  • joint ventures
  • subcontracting
  • cooperative research arrangements and co-production agreements
  • export of products and capital goods
  • exchange of scientific and technical personnel
  • science and technology conferences, trade shows and exhibits
  • education and training (of nationals and foreigners)
  • commercial visits
  • open literature (journals, magazines, books, and articles)
  • government assistance programs.

    Note that most of the modes can be influenced and directed by host government or community policy. East Asian countries such as Korea, Taiwan and Singapore achieved "technological success"[TLI 55] largely due to their active government policies. In commenting on science and technology policies of governments of Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore Sanjaya Lall states:[TLI 55] "All demonstrate that selectivity can shape the industrial and technological structure in beneficial ways, and governments do no fail in improving upon imperfect markets."