The role of science in technology transfer |
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| Authors: | Michael J Moravcsik |
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| Institution: | Institute of Theoretical Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | The discussion begins by listing three meanings of technology transfer (TT), involving importation of technological products (TTA), the ability to imitatively produce technological products (TTB), and the ability to create new technology (TTC). This is followed by an investigation of the relationship between science and technology, using a multidimensional conceptual framework in which one cannot ask “What is the cause of something else?”, but in which one can trace the contributory and the necessary conditions for something to take place. In this light it is shown that in modern times science is a necessary condition for technology and vice versa, the links being of a variety of sorts, partly epistemological, partly attitudinal, partly infrastructural. The discussion then turns to technological development, and four stages of that are distinguished: stage 1 rests on traditional trial-and-error-based technology, stage 2 on imitative low-level technology locally performed, stage 3 on imitative high-level technology locally produced, and stage 4 on the creation of novel technology. An anomalous stage involving small oil-rich countries is also mentioned. The role of science in each of these four stages is complex, involving both production and importation of technology, forming both direct and indirect links, having both simultaneous and delayed impacts, and acting also though attitudinal influences. Combining the previous conclusions it is then found that science has an essential role in all three meanings of technology transfer. It is, consequently, urged that organizations for international scientific and technological assistance and cooperation take a broad view and orient their activities to deal with the whole interlocking and interwoven complex of science and technology in the Third World. |
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