Maldistribution of science and technology

Gap in scientific and technological capacity
Concentration of science and technology

Nature

Maldistribution of science and technology refers to the unequal access, development, and application of scientific knowledge and technological resources across different regions, countries, or social groups. This imbalance often results in significant disparities in economic growth, healthcare, education, and innovation. Wealthier nations and communities typically benefit from advanced technologies and research, while poorer or marginalized populations face limited opportunities and resources. The maldistribution of science and technology perpetuates global and local inequalities, hinders sustainable development, and restricts the potential for collective progress in addressing critical challenges such as health crises, climate change, and economic advancement.

Background

The maldistribution of science and technology emerged as a global concern in the mid-20th century, highlighted by disparities in research capacity and technological access between industrialized and developing nations. International forums, such as UNESCO conferences in the 1960s and 1970s, brought attention to the widening gap, linking it to persistent inequalities in education, health, and economic development. Subsequent reports and initiatives underscored the systemic nature of this imbalance and its implications for global progress.

Incidence

In the UK, concern has been expressed at a north-south divide in science and technology capability, with government policy favouring the south-east at the expense of the northern and regional universities. It was argued that high-tech industry favoured areas with a well-developed scientific and academic infrastructure, and so it was all the more important to maintain strong university science departments in the UK's economically depressed regions.

In most developing countries, the number of scientists and engineers per 10,000 population in the 1970s was below 50 and that of technicians below 250. In market developed countries and in the centrally planned economies the comparable ranges were 100-3000 for scientists and engineers and 250-1,000 for technicians. That developing countries accounted for about 12% of the research and development manpower and only 3% of the spending indicates also a much lower spending per researcher.

Claim

The development of global science programmes in subjects such as oceanography, ozone depletion, global warming and seismology require inputs of data from scientists all over the world.

Breakthroughs in technology, such as the Internet, can open a fast track to knowledge-based growth in rich and poor countries alike, but at present benefit the relatively well-off and educated: 88 per cent of users live in industrialized countries, which collectively represent just 17 per cent of the world's population. The literally well connected have an overpowering advantage over the unconnected poor, whose voices and concerns are being left out of the global conversation.

Counter-claim

The so-called "maldistribution of science and technology" is vastly overstated. Innovation naturally clusters where talent and resources thrive, driving progress for everyone. Forcing artificial balance would stifle excellence and slow breakthroughs. History shows that advancements eventually benefit the wider world, regardless of their origin. Obsessing over distribution distracts from real issues—let’s celebrate centers of innovation instead of manufacturing problems where none truly exist.