Kieran P. Broadbent
The communication of scientific knowledge to the Third World is important to help ameliorate the worst forms of poverty, enhance economic development, increase the general well-being of the population, and bring about greater equity in world affairs. Without access to new information technologies adapted to local needs, the developing countries will fall further behind in world development. Without changes in policies at the national level that set agendas and priorities for information infrastructure, there is little hope for success. Developing countries must create their own programs from mandated national policies closely aligned to a science policy. It is suggested that it is unrealistic for some poorer countries to act independently and build comprehensive information systems. Instead, the route to be taken lies in regional cooperation and information sharing among groups of countries working to solve similar problems. The issue in question is the ability for social creativity, for information sharing, and for technical collaboration.