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

2. 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

3. Information Dissemination
Communication carriers
monoply
cost
speed & efficiency
Hardware
Capacity

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Thank You