Viet Nam at the Crossroads: The Role of Science and Technology

Viet Nam continues to emerge on the world stage, as does its new and developing market economy. In this spirit, Viet Nam's Minister of Science, Technology and Environment approached the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in January 1997 for assistance in developing a new science and technology strategy (STS). In response, IDRC and CIDA assembled a team of experts into a mission with the following objectives:

· Evaluate the experience in formulating STS in Viet Nam and other countries, both within and outside Asia;
· Develop a methodology for the formulation of STS;
· Collect background information on STS, including environmental and social studies;
· Prepare terms of reference for further STS development; and
· Initiate and moderate a national dialogue among stakeholders aimed at preparing concrete recommendations for STS in Viet Nam.

This books presents the presents the findings of the mission. It is now being used to shape policy in Viet Nam and will continue to do so in the coming years. Interested readers will include government officials and policy makers in science and technology; academics, researchers, professors, and university students in development studies, policy studies, and Asian studies; public and private businesses involved, or interested in becoming involved, in the changing economy of Viet Nam; and donor organizations and NGOs active in Viet Nam and throughout Asia.

Keith Bezanson is Director of the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, U.K.

Jan Annerstedt is Director of the Nordic Centre for Innovation in Lund, Sweden.

Kun Mo Chung is a professor at the Energy Systems Research Centre of the University of Ajou, South Korea.

David Hopper is former Senior Vice President at the World Bank and currently an independent adviser to numerous development and agriculture research institutions.

Geoffrey Oldham is Honorary Professor with the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex, East Sussex, U.K.