SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and
experimentation to generate knowledge and understanding.

 Technology is the practical application of scientific knowledge for solving problems,

creating tools, and improving human life.

 Science and technology are closely linked; while science generates new knowledge,
technology applies that knowledge to produce tangible benefits.

 The integration of science and technology drives innovation, economic growth, and
societal progress.

 Historically, science and technology evolved as separate disciplines but merged in the
19th century to form a unified concept essential for modern development.

2. Assessment of Science and Technology on Country’s Development

Positive Impacts of Science and Technology

1. Improved Communication and Connectivity

 Technology enables instant communication globally via the internet, social

media, and mobile devices.

 Facilitates information exchange, education, and cultural interaction.

2. Economic Growth and Productivity

 Advances in technology increase industrial productivity and efficiency.

 Automation and mechanization reduce labor intensity and increase output.

 Creation of new industries and job opportunities, especially in IT, healthcare, and
manufacturing.

 Science and technology (S&T) are fundamental engines of wealth creation,

productivity, and industrialization.

 Countries investing in S&T tend to experience faster and sustained economic

growth.
3. Healthcare Improvements

 Development of vaccines, diagnostic tools, and medical treatments improves life

expectancy and reduces disease.

 Scientific progress leads to better disease control, vaccines, diagnostics, and

health technologies, reducing mortality and increasing life expectancy.

 Telemedicine expands healthcare access in remote areas.

4. Education and Knowledge Access

 Emphasizing science education develops skilled human resources capable of

innovation and technological adaptation.

 E-learning platforms and digital libraries make education accessible worldwide.

 Scientific research and innovation accelerate knowledge creation.

5. Improved Quality of Life

 Advances in S&T improve agriculture yields, healthcare, energy access, water

supply, and environmental management, directly addressing poverty and
improving quality of life.

 Household technologies and transportation enhance daily living standards.

 Environmental technologies help manage natural resources and reduce pollution.

6. Global Collaboration

 Science and technology promote international cooperation on issues like climate

change, space exploration, and pandemics

 Industrial Development

 S&T enables value addition to raw materials, supports new industries, and
enhances competitiveness in global markets.

 Examples of Success:

 Industrial Revolution in the UK and France accelerated economic transformation.

 The US transitioned from agrarian to an industrial superpower through

technological innovation.

 Asian Tigers (Taiwan, South Korea) leveraged microelectronics and manufacturing

technology.
  China and India have become global leaders in manufacturing and IT,
respectively, through S&T investments.

Negative Impacts of Science and Technology

Psychological and Social Issues

 Excessive use of technology, especially social media, can lead to depression, anxiety, and
negative body image.
 Technology addiction and reduced physical activity cause health problems like eyestrain
and sleep disorders.
 Cyberbullying and online harassment affect mental well-being, especially among youth.

Job Loss and Economic Displacement

 Automation and robotics replace human labor in many sectors, leading to

unemployment and social inequality.
 Technological advances can widen the gap between skilled and unskilled worker

Environmental Degradation

 Industrialization and technological waste contribute to pollution, resource depletion,

and climate change.
 Technologies like nuclear weapons pose existential threats.

Loss of Privacy and Security Risks

 Increased data collection and surveillance raise concerns about privacy violations.
 Cybersecurity threats and information warfare can destabilize societies.

Cultural Erosion and Reduced Social Interaction

 Overreliance on digital communication reduces face-to-face interactions, weakening

personal relationships.
 Globalization of culture via technology can erode indigenous traditions and languages.

Spread of Misinformation

 Technology facilitates rapid dissemination of false information, propaganda, and rumors,

causing social unrest.

Health Issues

 Sedentary lifestyles linked to technology use contribute to obesity and related diseases.
 Overexposure to screens causes vision problems and mental fatigue.
  Policy Implications: Countries must promote science education, research and
development (R&D), and create environments that stimulate technological innovation
and adoption.

3. Existing State of Science and Technology in Third World Countries (Policy Issues in Relation to
Practice)

 Technology as Consumable: Many developing countries view technology as imported

goods rather than something to be developed or innovated locally. This leads to
dependency and limited technological capacity.

 Capacity Deficits: There is often a shortage of skilled scientists, engineers, and

technicians, limiting the ability to develop or adapt technologies to local needs.

 Weak Institutional Frameworks: Research institutions, universities, and industries often

lack adequate funding, infrastructure, and coordination.

 Policy Gaps: Many countries have underdeveloped or poorly implemented science and
technology policies that fail to integrate S&T with national development goals.

 Education System Challenges: Insufficient emphasis on science and technology

education at all levels results in a weak talent pipeline.

 Limited R&D Investment: Public and private sectors invest inadequately in research and
innovation, hindering technological progress.

 Brain Drain: Skilled professionals often emigrate to developed countries for better
opportunities, depleting local capacity.

 Examples of Policy Recommendations:

 Reorient education systems to emphasize scientific thinking and technical skills.

 Stimulate demand for technology through public and private sector

collaboration.

 Foster linkages between academia, industry, and government to promote

innovation.

 Increase access to information and communication technologies (ICTs).

 Adopt transparent, objective, and selective funding mechanisms aligned with

international best practices.
  Develop integrated national innovation systems tailored to local socio-economic
contexts.

 Positive Developments: Some middle-income countries (e.g., Nigeria, Malaysia) have

developed pockets of S&T capacity serving economic and social ambitions, though gaps
remain.

Factors Hindering Development of Science and Technology

1. Insufficient Funding and Investment

 Limited government budget allocation for research, infrastructure, and

innovation.

 Low private sector investment in science and technology activities.

 Inadequate funding for maintenance and upgrading of laboratories and

equipment.

2. Weak Institutional and Infrastructural Capacity

 Poorly equipped research institutes, universities, and technical centers.

 Lack of modern laboratories, testing centers, and national quality infrastructure.

 Insufficient digital infrastructure and limited access to scientific databases and

information systems.

3. Shortage of Skilled Human Resources

 Inadequate training and education in science, technology, engineering, and

mathematics (STEM).

 Brain drain: migration of qualified scientists, engineers, and researchers to

developed countries.

 Limited capacity to retain and motivate researchers and technical staff.

4. Policy and Regulatory Gaps

 Absence or poor implementation of coherent national science and technology

policies.

 Lack of clear legal frameworks to protect intellectual property and promote

innovation.

 Inconsistent or weak incentives for private sector participation in R&D.

 5. Poor Linkages Between Research and Industry

 Weak collaboration between academia, research institutions, and enterprises.

 Limited commercialization of research outcomes and technological innovations.

 Underdeveloped science and technology markets and technology transfer

mechanisms.

6. Low Public Awareness and Support

 Insufficient communication and promotion of science and technology benefits to

society.

 Limited societal appreciation and support for scientific research and innovation.

7. Dependence on Imported Technologies

 Viewing technology as consumables rather than developing indigenous capacity.

 Limited adaptation and innovation tailored to local socio-economic contexts.

Measures to Improve Development of Science and Technology

1. Increase and Prioritize Funding

 Allocate a significant and sustained portion of the national budget to science and
technology research and infrastructure.

 Encourage private sector investment through tax incentives, credit facilities, and
public-private partnerships.

 Establish dedicated science and technology funds and venture capital for startups
and innovation.

2. Strengthen Institutional Capacity and Infrastructure

 Develop and upgrade laboratories, research centers, and national quality

infrastructure aligned with international standards.

 Improve digital infrastructure and create interconnected scientific information

and data platforms.

 Support accreditation and evaluation systems for research institutions and

laboratories.

3. Enhance Human Capital Development

  Reform education systems to emphasize STEM disciplines from early education to
tertiary levels.

 Provide scholarships, training, and career development opportunities for

scientists and technologists.

 Implement policies to reduce brain drain and attract diaspora scientists back
home.

4. Develop and Implement Coherent Policies and Legal Frameworks

 Formulate clear national strategies integrating science, technology, innovation,

and digital transformation.

 Strengthen intellectual property rights protection and innovation-friendly

regulations.

 Design incentive mechanisms for enterprises investing in R&D and technology

adoption.

5. Promote Research-Industry Linkages

 Foster collaboration between universities, research institutes, and businesses

through joint projects and technology transfer offices.

 Support commercialization of research outcomes and development of science

and technology markets.

 Encourage foreign direct investment that includes technology transfer and

knowledge sharing.

6. Raise Public Awareness and Support

 Conduct communication campaigns highlighting the societal benefits of science

and technology.

 Promote science and innovation contests, exhibitions, and media programs

targeting youth and the general public.

 Recognize and reward outstanding scientific achievements and innovations.

7. Encourage Indigenous Innovation and Technology Adaptation

 Support local research addressing national development priorities and socio-

economic needs.
  Facilitate experimentation and risk-taking in scientific research and technological
development.

 Implement mechanisms allowing enterprises and researchers to test and apply

new technologies under state supervision.

Technology Transfer

 Refers to the process through which existing knowledge, skills, technologies,

methods of manufacturing, and facilities are shared or disseminated from one
organization, sector, or country to another for the purpose of further
development, commercialization, or use.
 It enables the recipient to develop new products, improve processes, or enhance
capabilities by adopting external technologies.

2. Terminology in Technology Transfer

 Donor: The individual, organization, or country that provides or shares the

technology.
 Recipient: The individual, organization, or country that receives and adopts the
technology.
 Licensing: Granting permission by the technology owner to another party to use
the technology under agreed terms.
 Intellectual Property (IP): Legal rights protecting inventions, designs, trademarks,
and copyrights involved in technology.
 Absorptive Capacity: The ability of the recipient to understand, assimilate, and
effectively use the transferred technology.
 Technology Adaptation: Modifying the transferred technology to suit local
conditions and needs.
 Joint Ventures: Collaborative partnerships between donor and recipient entities
to share technology and resources.
 Spin-offs: New companies formed to commercialize technology developed in
research institutions or corporations.