Showing papers on "Appropriate technology published in 1976"

Appropriate Technology, X-Inefficiency, and a Competitive Environment: Some Evidence from Pakistan

Abstract: The question of "appropriate" technology for less developed countries has received widespread attention in the last few years. The failure of industrial sector jobs in LDC's to grow as fast as the demand for them has generated high and rising apparent levels of unemployment. Policy makers and researchers have become interested in finding ways of encouraging more labor-intensive technologies. These are valued, not only for the employment that they will encourage, but also for the more favorable income distribution that is likely to result. Much attention has been focused on measuring the potential flexibility of production technologies and on examining the financial incentives to entrepreneurs in choosing technologies. There is now a mounting body of evidence that indicates that technologies are flexible and that relative factor prices have frequently been inappropriate for reaching the goal of labor-intensive production.' Recently, Wells and Ranis have generated a second hypothesis concerning appropriate technology.2 They argue that the absence of competition in many markets in LDC's, because of import protection and fewness of domestic producers, may also discourage labor-intensive technology. Protected producers, cushioned from the costminimizing rigors of competition, may well "indulge" in capital-intensive production methods. If this argument is correct, it implies that procompetition (and protrade) policies in LDC's may be more beneficial than just the static deadweight loss measures would indicate. Unfortunately, this hypothesis has had only anecdotal and impressionistic support and has not really been tested.

Communication and appropriate technology

Abstract: In recent years, the entire philosophy of development has been faced with more questions than answers — awakening a vital process of re-thinking, re-studying of factors and issues to development which were once thought fundamental. Much of the thinking-tide has been caused by sociological factors in which gross national product and per capita income have lost their relevance. The move is toward identifying development with the mass of people than with national tresuries. In the centre of the debate are questions of the transfer of sophisticated technology to less developed countries. Taking a cue from the debate, John L. Mitchell looks at the function of communication technology in the area of communication needs in the Third World.

Appropriate technology sourcebook : for tools and techniques that use local skills, local resources, and renewable sources of energy

Abstract: This is a guide to practical plans and books for village and small community technology. Critical reviews of selected publications on alternative sources of energy, farm implements, shop tools, agriculture, low-cost housing, health care, water supply, pedal power, philosophy of appropriate technology, and related subjects are given. Small-scale systems using local skills and resources are emphasized. Publications were chosen that provide enough practical information to be of significant help in understanding principles and in actually building the designs included. Entries were selected on the basis of low price, clarity of presentation, easily understandable nontechnical language, and unique subject matter. Materials and production techniques required are listed for all equipment plans. More than 375 publications from American and international sources, with 200 illustrations are listed. Price and address are given for each publication; some are also available in French or Spanish editions.

Trademarks in Developing Countries

Abstract: The concern with the impact of industrial property legislation and practices on the developing countries, at both the national and international levels, has so far been confined almost entirely to patents and patent-related transactions. This focus on the protection of knowledge concerning production processes reflects, on the one hand, a preoccupation with the terms and conditions which owners of technology may be able to obtain for its sale or lease, when their proprietary position is reinforced by legal instruments; and on the other hand, a recognition that unless the developing countries can themselves control the generation of a significant proportion of the technology they employ, it is unlikely either that appropriate technology will be produced, or that good use will be made of what is already available and relevant.