New Generic Technologies in Developing Countries

An examination of developing countries' ability to benefit from new generic technologies in the realms of information, communication, biotechnology and new materials. The book demonstrates why some developing countries have made considerable progress in absorbing the new technologies while most are still at the starting-blocks, and draws on the international donor community's experience to analyse appropriate aid policies and strategies. Front Matter....Pages i-xii Introduction....Pages 1-21 Front Matter....Pages 23-23 Contemporary Technological Revolutions: Characteristics and Dynamics....Pages 25-42 Information and Communications Technologies in Developing Countries....Pages 43-67 The Advanced Materials Revolution: Effects on Third World Development....Pages 68-92 Front Matter....Pages 93-93 High Technology Programmes in China....Pages 95-98 Development of New Generic Technologies in India....Pages 99-114 Public Policy and New Generic Technologies: The Case of Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa....Pages 115-139 New Materials Technology in Developing Countries....Pages 140-173 Generic Skills of Management and Organization: The Energy Sector in Africa....Pages 174-191 Front Matter....Pages 193-193 Functional Markets and Indigenous Capacity for Sustainable Development: What Can Transnational Corporations Do through Technology Transfer?....Pages 195-213 Recycling Technologies and Engineering Challenges....Pages 214-220 Underutilized Capabilities in the Transfer of New Generic Technologies from Sweden to the Developing Countries....Pages 221-230 Front Matter....Pages 231-231 Information Technology Support to Developing Countries: The Canadian Experience....Pages 233-250 Support for Biotechnology in Developing Countries: The Dutch Experience....Pages 251-263 Generic Technologies: New Factors for Swedish Aid for Technology Development....Pages 264-284 Development Aid Policy Options for the North....Pages 285-294 Front Matter....Pages 295-295 The Major Issues under Debate....Pages 297-319 Back Matter....Pages 320-340 Comprises 16 papers which explore the diffusion of new technologies in developing countries. Analyses the main features and trends in new generic technologies (information technology, advanced materials and biotechnology), presents case studies of technological development in strong and weak developing countries, and discusses the roles of multinational companies, non-governmental organizations and others. Discusses the experiences of development agencies and outlines policy options for the development community