Should developing countries adopt a technology policy?

The paper offers some reflections on technological capability building in the context of low income developing countries. The relevant literature strongly focuses on technological learning (enabling technical change to take place), the two important components of which are the development of human capital, and research and development (R&D). The issue is of particular concern, especially in an economic climate of liberalisation hostile to direct state intervention, at a time when the less developed countries are struggling to compete. While the literature on technology transfer that developed in the 1970s and early 1980s has been critcised for its static approach, in the recent past there appears to have developed a consensus regarding the need for improving the ability of a developing country to operate imported technology efficiently and effectively, thus enabling it to compete in the international market. After briefly reviewing the relevant theoretical background the paper surveys the state of technology policy in three countries of the Indian sub-continent -India, Bangladesh and Nepal - in order to draw some lessons. The externalities and market imperfections involved in technology development are so substantial that, if left to market forces without a technology policy, there seems little prospect of the successful building of technological capability by low-income developing countries. This does not necessarily imply direct public production of R&D; given the experience of government failures in implementing efficient resource allocation in developing countries, the specific role of the government requires careful consideration

Bangladesh industrialisation for sustained output growth, employment generation and export expansion: implications of performance since independence

Chapter focusing on Bangladesh industrialisation for sustained output growth, employment generation and export expansion. Examines the implications of economic performance since independence

Building technological capability in the context of globalization: opportunities and challenges facing developing countries

It is an honour to edit this special issue on 'Globalization and Technology Development', the publication of which is an outcome of the 2003 DSA (Development Studies Association) Annual Conference held in Glasgow at the University of Strathclyde, itself a source of pioneering studies on technology and development. This recent conference coincided with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first assembly of the DSA, held at Strathclyde, for which the David Livingstone Institute of Overseas Development Studies, then actively investigating technology choice in developing countries, took a leading role. In introducing this special issue, an attempt will be made to highlight the case for explicit, coherent and effective technology policy as the way forward in rapidly globalizing economies, especially those in the developing world. In this regard, this introductory paper will invoke some recently published evidence from three countries of the Indian subcontinent, namely Bangladesh, India and Nepal, all of which are low-income developing countries

Good governance perspectives, and issues from the Asia-Pacific region and Africa

Descibes good governance perspectives, and issues from the Asia-Pacific region and Africa

Building technological capability: issues and prospects - Nepal, Bangladesh and India

The book aims to help the reader gain a good understanding of the relevant historical developments and also the various static and dynamic issues involved. The focus of the volume is on analysing the process of helping effective transfer of technology to developing countries. The three areas emphasised are: first, exploration of the origin and the development of the concept, examining the relevant evaluation criteria and the problems of transferring advanced technologies; second, case studies from Bangladesh, India and Nepal are incorporated to help to analyse the state of technology policy in some of the low-income developing countries. Finally, it examines industry case studies in particular the transfer of technology to Nepal in turbine manufacturing (for micro-hydro plants) and to Bangladesh in fertiliser manufacturing (using natural gas)

Export competitiveness of Bangladesh leather manufacturing: a policy success?

Leather is a traditional export item of Bangladesh. Hides and skins produced in the country enjoy a good reputation worldwide for their quality. The country, however, has had little success in realizing the potential export earning from the sector. The business community and trade experts believe that export earnings from the sector could be substantially increased if the hides and skins are transformed into high-quality leather and leather products. This, however, depends on adoption of appropriate policies on the part of the government and business community to develop the sector. The products must be improved to satisfy the quality requirements demanded by the consumers of the international market especially of the developed world. Potentials for future export growth is considered to be high provided that product diversification and quality improvement can catch up with the international standard. The low wage rate and poor enforcement of environmental laws and rules have given the country's leather sector a comparative advantage in the world market. Moreover, the country enjoys duty exemption under the GSP (Generalized System of Preference) from most the importing countries of the developed world

Failure to absorb technology: a case study of fertiliser manufacturing in Bangladesh

A case study from Bangladesh is incorporated to help to analyse the state of technology policy in some of the low-income developing countries

Technology and development in the new millenium: an overview

Chapter providing an overview of the issues affecting the adoption and development of new biomedial technologies for the new millenium in developing countries