ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY:Training programmes, Publications

SME Management (MGT-601)

Lesson 35

ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY

The application of industrial technology, as indeed of all technologies, is a means to an end, the end being

the development goals of each country. An appropriate technology path has therefore to be derived from

the development goals adopted. Industrial development is a centre piece of the development process. it

cannot be viewed only as the means of producing a large variety of goods and services by modern processes

and techniques; it must result in adequate employment opportunities, greater income generation and

distribution to poorer sections and improvement in the conditions of life for the larger community in

developing countries.

Technology is in fact not applied in isolation

Technology is in fact not applied in isolation but as part of the performance of one economic activity or

another which contributes to development. in such activity, say industrial development, technology is again

applied, not alone, but matching with investment, skills, resources and other related factors, in other words,

the application of industrial technology cannot be divorced from the total context of industrial

development. When considering industrial technology, and for that matter any technology a balance has

therefore to be struck between considering it is the abstract and treating it as totally indistinguishable from

the economic activity itself. To strike such a balance between these two trends, either of which by itself is

likely to be misleading.

There is a close interrelationship between industry & technology in general. Perhaps no other single branch

of economic activity influences or gets influenced by technology more than industry.

Within This Over-all Framework, Attention will be focused on certain major elements for purposes of

national and international action. The linkage of technology to industrial development and industrial

development to over all development goals will be successful only in the context of the formulation of

relevant policy measure by national government. Technology policy and planning therefore becomes an

important element. The second major element is the development of technological capabilities in each

country which is a prerequisite for the selection, acquisition, adaptation, absorption or development of

technology. This will involve among other things the building up of institutions and the training manpower.

The Development & Transfer of Technology

The Development & Transfer of Technology has several aspects policy aspects, institutional aspects,

enterprise level considerations, skills, training, investment, feasibility studies etc. Sometime activities relating

to the development and transfer of technology can be carried out as distinct and separate activities e.g.

assisting in the establishment of a research institute or a national office for transfer of technology.

Training programmes

Training programmes especially aimed at providing capability to acquire, evaluate and manage industrial

technology.

Publications

Publication on ways and means to promote technological and industrial co-operation among developed and

developing countries, identification of projects that can be implemented with the technical resources of

those countries.

The intensification of courses on technological and industrial management, including industrial

technological information in accordance with needs of each country.

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