JBS Vol 08. Num 2. 2006 - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH: FAILURE IN POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

The socio-economic setting necessary for successful implementation of Science and Technology (S&T) policies in a developing country has been discussed and the concept of “technology culture” introduced. It is posited that the absence of technology culture in a given socio-economic setting makes implementation of S&T policies problematic. Technological resource base in Bangladesh and the low S&T achievement indices for the country, as worked out by some international organizations, are also presented. In discussing the status of existing R&D institutions it has been stated that, with the notable exception of agricultural research, there is absence of organized and well-planned research management systems in several areas. It is argued that even though individuals, national organizations and institutions continue to make commitments to development of S&T, the relative strength of such commitments vary significantly. In most cases the public pronouncements and promises have been without any operational value. The insignificant fraction of total annual development funds that is allocated for R&D activities in some important sectors have been tabulated and presented as conclusive evidence of such lack of commitment. Also, the country does not have appropriate plans to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for S&T as articulated by relevant UN declarations. However, on a more positive note, substantial investments have been made in agricultural research with laudable achievements in cereal production through large R&D investments for over two decades. The critical role of new and emerging technologies like ICTs in raising productivity in various sectors is also analyzed. It is posited that for ICTs to provide impetus to poverty alleviation as a critical economic activity, public resources will have to be invested in developing interdependent infrastructure and appropriate human resource programs. The importance of tertiary level education programs in such efforts has been highlighted. The difficulties involved in achieving S&T development goals through donor-driven and externally-funded import of technology have been pointed out. Finally, it has been emphasized that the task of building local S&T capabilities has to be borne by endogenous leadership through the exercise of determined political will for technological self reliance.