The Fundamental Role Of Science And Technology In International Development

In October 2003 the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Research Council (NRC) entered into a cooperative agreement. The agreement called for the NRC to examine selected aspects of U.S. foreign assistance activities-primarily the programs of the USAID-that have benefited or could benefit from access to strong science, technology, and medical capabilities in the United States or elsewhere. After considering the many aspects of the role of science and technology (S&T) in foreign assistance, the study led to the publication of The Fundamental Role of Science and Technology in International Development. In the book special attention is devoted to partnerships that involve the USAID together with international, regional, U.S. governmental, and private sector organizations in fields such as heath care, agriculture and nutrition, education and job creation, and energy and the environment. This book explores specific programmatic, organizational, and personnel reforms that would increase the effective use of S&T to meet the USAID's goals while supporting larger U.S. foreign policy objectives.

"The object of this book is to explore the ways by which modern science and technology can help to promote economic and social growth in the poor but developing countries" -- Introduction.

Assault on Poverty: Basic Human Needs, Science, and Technology

"Science - "empirical knowledge" - and technology - "applied science" - have long played a key role in social development. In modern times they have come to be seen as absolutely essential factors in the achievement of economic growth and development. And though many dispute their ascendancy and legitimately point to their abuses, there is no escaping their presence and impact." "Taking as a main theme the central role of science and technology in economic progress, this first-of-a-kind sourcebook gathers together the perspectives and expertise of an international body of specialists in science and technology policy to examine the role of science and technology in development, and assess their social, economic, and political dimensions. The authors look at the key issues in relation to the exigencies of developing countries in the "new international context." They emphasize the complexity of the links between science, technology, and development and the important insights to be gained from the study of these links. The authors also point out that, despite science and technology's promise of social and economic progress, such progress is less than ever an inevitable result of their application - though there is no doubt about what can be achieved through science and technology, the quest is an uncertain one."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The United States has long recognized that the nation's prosperity and security depend on how we address challenges of disasters, poverty, famine, and disease around the world. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has played a vital role in promoting U.S. national and international interests by advancing strategies for employing science, technology, and innovation to respond to global challenges. The focus by USAID on science, technology, and innovation is critical to improve development outcomes. At the core of this progress is the engagement of science institutions and other innovative enterprises and their commitment to work in partnership with USAID to research, test, and scale solutions. The Role of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships in the Future of USAID provides an assessment and advice on the current and future role for science, technology, and innovation in assistance programs at USAID and on the role of partnerships in the public and private sectors to expand impact. This report examines challenges and opportunities for USAID in expanding the utilization of science, technology, and innovation in development assistance; assesses how USAID has deployed science, technology, and innovation; and recommends priority areas for improvement going forward in partnership with others.

Viet Nam at the Crossroads: The Role of Science and Technology