National Research Council of the US National Academies of Science has urged the United States to return science and technology to the heart of its overseas aid programmes.
In particular, the committee wants the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to reverse steep declines in the number of scientists and engineers it employs, and in its support for students from developing countries studying technical subjects at US universities.
Members of the group accept that given the current political and economic demands on USAID, their proposals could take years to be adopted, even though other countries such as the United Kingdom are pursuing them.
The recommendations of the committee include:
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USAID should reverse the decline in its support for building science and technology capacity in developing countries -- including more support for graduate education and broadband Internet access.
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The agency should recruit senior officials with strong scientific and management credentials.
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USAID should coordinate the science and technology-related activities that other US government departments and agencies undertake in developing countries.
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