Introduction: The Social Dynamics of Science, Technology and Society in the Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

An introduction to a special journal issue (see abstracts of related articles) presents two views on the future of science & technology in developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region, both based in globalization theory. Stephen Hill (eg, 1997) argues that the globalization of technology & the diffusion of manufacturing is eroding national competitive advantages to the benefit of developing countries. However, David Smith (eg, 1993 [see abstract 9306309]) maintains that the uneven distribution of technological capacities will keep developing countries reliant on the core countries. Contributions address the social construction of technology model in relation to technology transfer issues, Martin Heidegger's theories of technology, social preconditions for the European scientific revolution in comparison with the People's Republic of China, the development of science & technology in Southeast Asia, focusing on Singapore, research management policies in Japan, rapeseed research in China, & the impact of space technology on science & technology in the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the end of the Cold War. J. Ferrari.