In 1971, ACAST submitted a World Plan of Action for the Application of Science and Technology for Development, drawing on the Sussex Report, and highlighting such issues as the need for indigenous capacity-building, the gap between the potential of science and technology and the extent of the latter’s actual use, the weakness of scientific institutions in the developing world, the problem of access to the world’s technology, and brain drain. However, since the Advisory Committee did not have direct access to the political decision-making process, the World Plan of Action was not carried forward as hoped. (UNCTAD, 1997:5)
The four objectives for the World Plan of Action were set to:
a) Assist developing countries to build necessary structure of institutions and train skilled personnel on which capacity to apply S&T will depend
b) Promote more effective application of existing scientific knowledge and technology in development, and to improve arrangements for technology transfer and adaptation, and develop a more favourable climate for adoption of innovations in techniques of production
c) Focus attention and mobilise efforts of scientists and research organisations in developed countries as well as developing countries on problems of developing countries
d) Promote greater knowledge (among Government and the public) of the needs of the developing countries for S&T
The World Plan of Action was “intended to be catalytic rather than comprehensive”, to serve as a guide to governments and financing organisations. Its basic objectives were to stimulate scientific, technical and financial cooperation between the developed and developing countries and to ensure an adequate provision for the major direction of development planning and cooperation. The World Plan also pointed out related needs for economic and social research. (UNACAST, 1971:5),
The World Plan of Action intentionally excluded matters related to the environment, as well as “other matters already under intensive study elsewhere or where funding or other means of action is already in sight”, as “we cannot, and would not wish to, anticipate the action which might result from the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment to be held at Stockholm, Sweden.” (UNACAST, 1971:6)
In reference to targets, the World Plan of Action followed quite closely the recommendations of the Sussex Group, that:
- Developing countries increase investment toward R&D and “provision of scientific and technical services” to 1% of GNP by end of decade (the Sussex Group proposed increase from 0.2% 5o 0.5% plus a reorganisation and institutional reform, new policy-making institutions, and educational changes)
- Developed countries should increase their science and technology aid to developing countries to 0.05% GNP
- Developed countries should devote 5% of non-military R&D investments to S&T needs of developing countries
Furthermore, the World Plan of Action recommended the establishment of a World Plan of Action Fund through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) based on an allotment of an expected increase in their budget at the level of 125 million US dollars annually, or starting at 30 million in 1972 and reach 125 in 1975. (UNACAST, 1971: 40) The aim of this fund was to “function as a catalyst” for coordinated, collaborative efforts as proposed in the World Plan of Action and “to enable leadership and initiative”. (UNACAST, 1971: 40) Some specified proportions were to be allocated to research, the application of existing knowledge and the building up of an indigenous science and technology capacity.
In contrast, it seems the UN General Assembly was reticent to oblige developed countries to make strong commitments toward aid targets. The “Extract from International Development Strategy: Action Programme of the General Assembly” (UNACAST, 1971: v) is much more vague, emphasising voluntary, “exploratory” nature of aid targets, quoted as “consideration will be given to the question of setting a target equivalent to a specified percentage of the gross national product of developed countries for aid in the direct support of science and technology in developing countries” and that “serious consideration will be given to the question of setting a specified target in terms of developed countries committing resources through their research and development programmes” to “assist in seeking solutions to the specific problems of developing countries”. And that “developed countries will continue to explore the possibility of locating some of their R&D projects in developing countries.” (UNACAST, 1971: v)
Sources:
UNACASTD (1971) World Plan of Action on Science and Technology for Development. Report of the United Nations Advisory Committee on the Application of Science and Technology to Development (UNACASTD). UN Publication ST/ECA/133.
UNCTAD (1997) Note by the UNCTAD Secretariat for Consideration of Ways and Means of Commemorating in 1999 of the Twentieth Anniversary of the Vienna Conference on Science and Technology for Development. Economic and Social Council. Commission on Science and Technology for Development. Third Session. Geneva, 12 May 1997. E/CN.16/1997/7. Accessed online at:
http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/ecn16_97d7.en.df
World Plan of Action on the Application of Science and Technology for Development, by the United Nations Advisory Committee on the Application of Science and Technology to Development (UNACASTD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs, © 1971 United Nations. UN Publication ST/ECA/133