Technological Change
Enhancing the Benefits

‘Among policy makers in developing countries, emerging technologies are often regarded with apprehension. This is induced by a sense of impotence; also by a feeling that what is appropriate in richer countries may not be so in poor ones. These fears are understandable. But the Group’s Report gives abundant evidence that where technology is directed, and adapted, to meet the needs of low-income groups, it can be a powerful force for good, especially in agriculture and rural development, where in many forms it could be even directly employment-generating... Because of technology, human societies have it in their power to raise living standards worldwide and thus eradicate mass poverty and hunger.’ - From the Foreword by the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
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Preface
At their 1982 and 1983 meetings, Commonwealth Employment/Labour Ministers discussed how the diverse societies of Commonwealth countries might best realise the benefits of, and accommodate the changes from, applying new technologies, as well as learning from each other's experience in this field. They identified the management of technological change as being of critical importance in a context where rapid innovations in technology coincided with generally sluggish economic growth, so that technology seemed to threaten existing employment although offering the potential, at least, for economic revitalisation. They recommended to Commonwealth Heads of Government the establishment of a working group to examine member countries' experience in managing technological change to assist these countries in their planning, training and adjustment strategies.
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Click to download PDF - 159.60KBPDF
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Click to Read online and shareREAD