ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents several general theoretical notions about the process of science and technology as it relates to development. It aims to develop the international dimension of science and technology both in terms of the international exchange processes and of the appropriateness and modification of technology as it is exchanged and transferred internationally. The book shows that the East Asian countries and Japan have generally tried to develop an overall scientific research capability, but refrained from showing the flag, however expensive, across the board. It offers more specific insights into some of the policies that have been effective in bringing about technology-based economic growth. The book argues that the Newly industrialized countries have shown that attention should be focused on the type of Research and Development that promotes reverse engineering and copying rather than on basic science.
