Emerging from the technology colony : a view from the South

Abstract

This paper explores the notion that, even though many developing countries of the world gained political independence after WW-II, they essentially remained “technology colonies”. A definition of the technology colony is developed, to serve as framework for the development of guidelines to grow out of this mind set towards national independence, also with respect to the technological dimensions of the national economic system. Being a technology colony is neither something to be ashamed of, nor necessarily a disaster. Remaining one, should not be a fate to be suffered, but an opportunity to be managed.