Title: Scientific academies and scientific societies as agents for promoting science culture in developing countries

Authors: Leo Wee Hin Tan, R. Subramaniam

Addresses: Singapore National Academy of Science, c/o Singapore Science Centre, 15 Science Centre Road, 609081, Singapore; National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616. ' Singapore National Academy of Science, c/o Singapore Science Centre, 15 Science Centre Road, 609081, Singapore; National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616

Abstract: A major reason why developing countries have not been able to capitalise on the potential of science and technology to drive their socio-economic improvement is that a scientific culture has not taken deep root there. The reasons for these are explored and it is suggested that invigorating the scientific society movement in these countries can be a useful way to catalyse the promotion of a popular science culture among their people. Some lessons from the experiences of the well established scientific academies and scientific societies are drawn, and it is suggested that these would be of relevance to developing countries.

Keywords: science culture; scientific academies; scientific societies; developing countries; science culture; science promotion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2009.022681

International Journal of Technology Management, 2009 Vol.46 No.1/2, pp.132 - 145

Published online: 25 Jan 2009 *

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