Title: An application and assessment of a matrix approach to determining priorities in science and technology in a small developing country

Authors: Henry Lowe, Luke Georghiou

Addresses: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Utilities and Transport, Jamaica. ' Coordinator, Programme of Policy Research in Engineering, Science and Technology, University of Manchester, UK

Abstract: Developing countries have a particularly strong need to establish priorities for expenditure on science and technology. As part of a wider project, a |matrix| was developed, showing links between development objectives and fields of science and technology. The relative importance of these, and their interdependence, were estimated by an expert panel following in approach developed by UNESCO. It was found that care needed to be taken to select a balanced panel and to brief them well in the operation of the method. The headings used for objectives and areas of science and technology created problems through inconsistencies in scope, being static and not corresponding to local institutional structures. The matrix was limited in that it did not provide a dynamic picture of future priorities. Nevertheless, the results, though not immediately predictable, were considered plausible and helpful by policy-makers.

Keywords: science and technology priorities; developing countries; matrix approach; policy-making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1989.026037

International Journal of Technology Management, 1989 Vol.4 No.2, pp.215 - 232

Published online: 26 May 2009 *

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