This Research Paper Explores The Intricacies Of Technology, Training And Education As Related To Economic Development.

Introduction

This Research Paper explores the intricacies of technology, training and education as related to economic development. We will examine the usage of technology to generate economic development and growth and look at how technology can and has impacted our education, training and development both in Jamaica and the Caribbean region.

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Table of Contents 3

What is Technology? 4

How Technology fits into the 21st Century Landscape 5

Technology transfer? 8

Technology transfer to the Caribbean 8

Measurement of technology transfer 8

Innovation v/s Invention 9

Innovation in Science and Technology Awards 10

Innovation in education within Jamaica 12

UTech's Technology Innovation Center 13

Use of technology to generate Economic Development 14

Industrial & Agricultural Technological development in the region 15

The Scientific Research Council and Applicable Local Technologies 17

Joint venture 19

When are joint ventures used? 19

Reasons for forming a joint venture 20

Governments provision to suitable incentives for innovators 21

Seamless Movement of Trained Graduates 32

The males approach to further education hindering economic development 33

Enrolment by Gender and Degree Programme in Public Universities 1990-1995 35

Bibliography 36

What is Technology?

During the previous century and well into the twenty first century (dubbed the "Knowledge Era"), technology has evolved to the point where it is now synonymous to numerous terminologies. Technology can be termed as Objects similar to tools, machines, instruments, weapons; as Knowledge similar to technological know-how and innovation; as Activities similar to skills, methods, procedures; as a Process which begins with a need and ends with a solution and finally as a Socio-technical System which occurs through the manufacture and use of objects involving people and other objects in combination.

entrepreneurship

Technology is a word with origins in the Greek word technologia (τεχνολογία), techno (τέχνη) "craft" and logia (λογία) "saying." It is a broad term dealing with the use and knowledge of humanity's tools and crafts.

Categorically speaking technology is the process by which humans modify nature and the environment to meet their needs and wants. Most people, however, think of technology in terms of its artifacts: computers and software, aircraft, pesticides, water-treatment plants, birth-control pills, and microwave ovens, to name a few. But it is more than these tangible products; it is the technical means people use to improve their surroundings. It should also be noted that the knowledge and processes used to create and to operate technological artifacts -- engineering know-how, manufacturing expertise, and various technical skills -- are equally important parts of technology.

How Technology fits into the 21st Century Landscape

Diagram showing the flow of Technology through Civilization

The above diagram from Harvard University School of Engineering illustrates the relationship between technology and civilization over the centuries, here it can be seen why the terms Ð''technology' and Ð''civilization' are sometimes synonymous.

In this the "Knowledge era" the focus is usually on employment, industrial productivity, increased standard of living/enhanced lifestyle, etc. The following are a few examples of advances in technology within the Caribbean.

Education/Lifestyle/Communication

Americas Region Caribbean Optical-ring System ("ARCOS"), is an undersea broadband fiber-optic cable network which supports the Flow Network. Flow provides Digital Cable, Landline and High Speed Internet to several Caribbean countries bringing exposure to the outside world through Cable TV; and mass communication through the telephone and internet. This infrastructure can undoubtedly be used as a tool or agent of development.

Cable/Internet in the Class Room E-Learning (Distance/Internet Learning)

Microsoft's Technology Inclusion Centre Internet Provides enhanced

-ICT learning opportunities for Latin America communication between some key Caribbean member states.

Employment

Jamaican based e-Services Group International has provided thousands of Caribbean jobs within the telecommunications sector namely Jamaica and St. Lucia. E-Services' core product is back-office support services (inbound) which several companies around the world are now opting to outsource.

Health

Other Transnational Corporations e.g. Digicel & Cable & Wireless provide not only backoffice support but also mass employment in technical services eg. Switch and Transmission Engineers; Programmers; Network Quality Analysts & Technicians; etc.

Technology transfer?

Technology Transfer enables individuals, communities and businesses to obtain the know-how in applying a technology to a domestic need or an industrial production. One