Technology Transfer Technology Information in Fiji Mahendra Kumar

Technology Transfer: Technology Information in Fiji Mahendra Kumar University of the South Pacific Suva, Fiji

Fiji and the Pacific • Small land masses but huge distances between countries, and within countries • Small, isolated populations • Mainly subsistence economy • Relatively poor developed infrastructure • Generally weak private sector

Information Dissemination • Communication carriers – monoply – cost – speed & efficiency • Hardware • Capacity

Lack of information • Dearth of information on ESTs – Lack of awareness about sources, availability and access – Lack of training on availability of such info and means of access – Image of ‘high-tech’ and beyond scope of technologically impoverished

Sub Regional Centres • Need to bridge the technological divide • Act as ‘clearing house’ for: – information collection – analysis – storage – dissemination • Training

Sub Regional Centre • Repository of information on endogenous technology • Leaders in promotion of successful technologies • Provide ‘ownership’ and ‘status’ to these useful technologies • Equal partner in technology exchange

University of the South Pacific • Regional institution, with main campus in Fiji and Centres in 12 island countries • Has existing Departments of Technology and Engineering • Potential to utilise facilities for testing, adoption and development of technology • Provide training

Emphasis for SIDS • Adaptation technology for specific sectors eg coastal zone protection • Maintain database on successful technology, not necessarily high tech • Further development of ‘simple’ concepts using modern techniques and materials • Work with regional/national institutions on R&D

TT Clear • Potentially useful mechanism with links to existing sites • Act as filter for information in the context of Article 4. 5 • Act to fill gap in adaptation technology information • Public sector technologies

Link to UNFCCC TT Clear • • • Assist in accessing information on ESTs Maintain quality control Monitor availability, costs and reliability Enhance link with private sector Provide information on financing, technical, socio-economic etc

Conclusion • Major lack of information about ESTs • Science and technology is not given adequate attention • Training to make practitioners aware of existing information • Need to integrate with curricula • Internet useful in the long term, need other modes eg newsletters etc

Thank You