ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concentrates on the role of new technology in the development of less developed nations and focuses on the social and industrial consequences of new technology in more developed nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. It considers the experience of Bangladesh in adopting 'Green Revolution' technologies in its agriculture. The book suggests that more attention should be given to improving institutional mechanisms for developing appropriate agricultural technology for less developed countries. It illustrates China's requirement for economic evaluation of technologies by considering problems of choosing between alternative urban transportation systems and projects in China requiring different transport technologies. The book discusses the association between technological change and social welfare. It concentrates on social and sociological implications of new technologies, especially Third Wave technologies such as those associated with the growth of the electronics industry, telecommunications and information-intensive technologies.