Microcomputers are an increasingly important tool in all aspects of development as the need to handle and assimilate vast quantities of information becomes ever more critical for both the international development community and the developing countries. In addition, the microcomputer represents the first significant technological advance that a dev

The growth of microcomputer applications in industrialized countries is predicated on an existing base that includes the ready availability of affordable hardware and software, trained personnel, capable maintenance, efficient communication systems, and a benign environment; applications are selected and facilitated by a wide range of underlying ex

This report is based on a conference on the applications of microcomputers in development sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in collaboration with a host country.

Computerization, microcomputers, technological change, developing countries - information processing, technology transfer, information system, telecommunications cost, sectoral applications in agriculture, health service, energy and local government, case study of Sri Lanka. Bibliography, flow charts, graphs, glossary, illustration, maps, statistical table, tables.

An examination of the policy initiatives required to create or improve the necessary support systems - affordable hardware and software, trained personnel, capable maintenance and a benign environment - for microcomputer applications in developing countries.