The Fundamental Role of Science and Technology in International Development

In October 2003 the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Research Council (NRC) entered into a cooperative agreement. The agreement called for the NRC to examine selected aspects of U.S. foreign assistance activities-primarily the programs of the USAID-that have benefited or could benefit from access to strong science, technology, and medical capabilities in the United States or elsewhere. After considering the many aspects of the role of science and technology (S&T) in foreign assistance, the study led to the publication of The Fundamental Role of Science and Technology in International Development. In the book special attention is devoted to partnerships that involve the USAID together with international, regional, U.S. governmental, and private sector organizations in fields such as heath care, agriculture and nutrition, education and job creation, and energy and the environment. This book explores specific programmatic, organizational, and personnel reforms that would increase the effective use of S&T to meet the USAID's goals while supporting larger U.S. foreign policy objectives. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 The Changing Context for Foreign Assistance 2 Five Development Challenges 3 Strengthening the Science and Technology Capacity of Developing Countries 4 Capabilities of USAID to Use Science and Technology Effectively 5 USAID'S Coordination with Other U.S. Government Departments and Agencies Epilogue Appendix A. Statement of Task from Cooperative Agreement Appendix B. Biographies of Committee Members Appendix C. Field Visit Panel Members and Key Organizations Contacted Appendix D. USAID Offices Consulted in Washington Appendix E. Other Organizations Consulted Appendix F. Report to Congress: Health-Related Research and Development Activities at USAID Appendix G. USAID Agricultural and Natural Resources Management Research Priorities-Desktop Review Appendix H. Examples of USAID Support for Science and Technology-Related Programs Appendix I. Recent National Academies Reports Relevant to Science and Technology in Development Appendix J. Recent National Academies Activities Relevant to Science and Technology in Development Appendix K. Pakistan-U.S. Science and Technology Cooperative Program 2005 Projects Selected for Joint Funding Appendix L. Description of USAID Recruitment Programs