Scientific research for development

It seems increasingly clear that scientific research and research training is essential for the development process. A major difference between developing and developed countries is related to their ability to select, create, modify, adapt, or use advanced technologies efficiently. The high complexity and frequent changes in the most efficient technologies have increased the quantitative and qualitative need for research trained manpower in many developing countries, but these countries are often unable to carry out high quality research training on their own. At the same time, overseas training is becoming increasingly expensive and is in some cases less relevant to domestic needs. At least a partial solution to these problems can be obtained if relevant research activities in developing countries are improved and expanded. The paper summarizes some of the work which was carried out in the Science and Technology Work Program (part of PHREE and later ESP) in the World Bank during 1992-93. After discussing the triple research needs of any country: basic scientific research, applied research, and mechanisms to improve the utilization of research output, a survey is given of research financing, research communication, individual research incentives, and research policy. A summary is provided of Bank experience and of pitfalls in Bank projects supporting research capacity building, especially problems related to lack of policy actions and output monitoring. Finally, a list of major problems in scientific research capacity building in developing countries is given, together with possible solutions.