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Tech Monitor ( July-August 2000 ) |
| Directror's NoteI |
| Sustained industrial development primarily depends on increased use of technology, knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing industrial competence and productivity and improving standards of living. Emphasis is therefore given to enhancing and strengthening technological infrastructure in both companies and R&D institutions. Any program aiming at technology infrastructure development would need to strive along two dimensions: technology development and its commercialization, both at institutional and firm levels. Finance then becomes a critical driving factor while pursuing increasing investments in commercially oriented research for technology development and its successful transfer to the users. This is more significant in the case of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) that possess limited strength and capability. The financing of technology based activities and project has been identified as one area of priority for national government and their agencies as well as for international development organizations worldwide. The medium and long term goals are to build up a strong technological capability and competence to enhance their productivity, capacity and competitiveness. Agencies involved in financing technology infrastructure development are banks, export credit agencies, technology and industrial promotion organizations, venture capital funds etc. Their market oriented portfolio approach, designed and directed at meeting specific requirements of enterprises, is important for efficient technology development and transfer. This issue of Tech Monitor discusses various aspects of current technology financing policies and programs at both national and international levels. Dr. Jürgen Bischoff |