Technological Dependence and Underdevelopment

A major cornerstone of the structural analysis of underdevelopment is the character and form of technology available to the UDCs, and their implication for economic growth. It has long been recognized that growth in the underdeveloped countries (UDCs) of today differs in substantial ways from that of the early stages of capitalist development experienced in western Europe. The significant technological achievements of European and North American capitalism have contributed vastly to our stock of technical and scientific knowledge. At first glance this technical revolution seems to hold the torch in the path of the fight against poverty and underdevelopment. It is argued that this knowledge can be shared profitably by all UDCs, who can thus ‘skip’ technological stages given will power, good common sense and efficient management of resources.