Towards Global Action for Appropriate Technology evaluates the feasibility of establishing and implementing an international mechanism for the promotion of appropriate technology. A strategy of reorienting research and development towards the rural and small-scale urban sectors is proposed, with emphasis on ultimately building national technological capacity in developing countries. This book is comprised of six chapters and begins with an overview of concepts, definitions, and strategies, followed by a discussion on some relatively unfamiliar criteria that should be taken into account in guiding the selection of appropriate technologies, including cost and risk involved. The following chapters focus on the links between the concepts of appropriate technology and the basic needs approach to development; institutional capacity at the national and international levels; and the activities of the United Nations with regard to appropriate technology. The final chapter presents a blueprint for global action for the promotion of appropriate technology, with particular reference to small-scale capital-saving technologies that are accessible to the poor and are essential for the creation of productive employment on a sufficient scale. This monograph will be of interest to social and economic policymakers.

The literature on technological change and growth has mainly used econometric models to establish that factors such as the degree of openness, skills, research and development expenditures, number of patents etc. are critical determinants of innovation and its effect on growth. However, this approach fails to explain the role of institutions and policies that created the environment for innovation. Using 10 case studies from developing countries, this book examines how governments fostered technological adaptation through public-private partnerships to develop world-class exporters in high-growth, non-traditional industries.