Developing a Methodology for Assessing the Contributions to Industrial Development of Science and Technology Institutions in Developing Countries

摘要

This report describes a methodology which evolved during investigations of the contributions to industrial development of science and technology institutions in Malaysia, Nigeria, and Colombia. Assessments of technical capabilities, of potential impact of science and education, and of appropriateness of technological approaches must be highly subjective. While some information may be available concerning program budgets, orientation, effectiveness, and impact, reliable data for quantifying such indicators of science and technology activities are frequently unavailable in developing countries. When such data are available, they can be helpful, but the important qualitative aspects of science and technology remain in the realm of subjective judgements. The investigations in the three countries were limited in depth and duration. Less than three weeks was spent by a team of specialists in each country, and for each country the preparatory work, data analysis, and report preparation involved only several additional months of effort.