Science and Technology for Development

by James Smith

How can science realize its potential and help us tackle global inequality, environmental change and crippling poverty? How can more appropriate technologies be developed for those most in need? Science has long promised much -- new crops, new medicines, new sources of energy, new means of communication -- but the potential of new technologies has frequently bypassed the poorest people and the poorest countries.

In Science and Technology for Development, James Smith explores the complex relationship between society and technology, and the potential for science to make sustainable contributions to global development. Drawing on case studies from Africa, Latin America and Asia, the author argues that we need to think carefully about science and development, otherwise the perpetual promise of future technological breakthroughs may simply work to distance meaningful development from the present.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sandeep Mertia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and laconic, the book is like the marriage of Science and Technology Studies with Development Studies. The aim of the book as stated by the author is: “not to provide a systematic overview of technologies for development. It is not a manual of development artefacts and their application. Rather it is an attempt to draw on critical thinking in development studies and science and technology studies to help us better understand the complex relationship between science, technology and development”. And Smith truly delivers on his above objective