New frontiers in technology application

This volume is based on manuscripts, the majority of which were submitted to the ad hoc panel of specialists on "Integrated Application of Emerging and Traditional Technologies for Development". The panel was the first in a series of panels of the United Nations Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development and was held from 13-16 December 1982 at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Laguna, The Philippines. The first two panels of experts of the Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development have concluded their work. At least five more panels are being planned for the years to come. The Centre for Science and Technology for Development is proud to present the proceedings volume of the very first of this important series of seminars.

The common denominator is the strengthening of endogenous capacities for science and technology in developing countries. This, however, is an enormous task which must be approached from various angles. Countries need an endogenous policy making structure for science and technology; they need an adequate scientific and technological infrastructure; they need endogenous capabilities for choice and acquisition of technology; and perhaps most important, they need the human resources. to carry out the endogenous research and development. Furthermore, viable mechanisms and incentive structures for the financing of science and technology will be needed in the developing countries; a functioning, modern information base for technologies and scientific methods and results is needed; and the developing countries need to strengthen their domestic research and development and to link it in multiple ways with their productive sectors; last but not least the international co operation among developing countries and between developing and developed countries needs to be strengthened, in accordance with the principle of collective self reliance.