Acquiring technological skills

Increasing efficiency of acquisition of technological skills
Undertaking development of technological skill
Developing technological skill of users
Providing technology familiarity

Description

Acquiring technological skills involves systematically learning and applying relevant digital tools, software, and systems to enhance individual and organizational capabilities. This strategy addresses skill gaps, increases adaptability to technological change, and improves productivity. Practical actions include targeted training, hands-on practice, and continuous upskilling to keep pace with evolving technologies. By fostering technological competence, this approach remedies workforce obsolescence, supports innovation, and ensures effective participation in increasingly digital environments.

Context

Accelerate the development of technological know-how, focusing on appropriate and intermediate technology.

Implementation

In both industrialized and developing country situations technology users play a key role in generating successful new products and processes. Both 'high-tech' innovation, such as the design of the Boeing 747 aircraft and IBM computer software, and innovative technologies for the rural poor, such as Vietnamese expeller pumps and Bangladeshi hybrid rice strains, owe much to the creativity and skill not of research scientists, but of local housewives, farmers and artisans. New approaches to technical assistance which increase the interaction between R&D institutions and these technology users are needed in order to tap this important innovation resource. The incorporation of such an interactive research strategy into the work of the Sudan Energy Research Council led to highly successful initiatives in the fields of charcoal production, improved charcoal stoves, and agroforestry.