How can developing nations achieve cohesive national innovation systems which provide the foundations for technological progress and economic growth? In answer to this question, Technology, Development and Democracy examines the possibility of studying innovation systems using a unified approach drawing on economic, political, sociological and cultural factors and addresses the problematic concept of progress in the postmodern era. Haider Khan expresses the search for high technology as the search for 'positive feedback loop innovation systems' (POLIS). In the first part of the book the conditions for POLIS are explored both in theory and using empirical evidence. The author examines the theoretical arguments which describe an innovation system as a complex and uncertain evolutionary process. He uses empirical evidence to illustrate these arguments and examines whether South Korea's pursuit of high technology has led to the creation of a 'positive feedback loop innovation system'. The second part of the book extends the analysis of the economics of POLIS and discusses the implications of high technology systems for the polity and society at large. It also pursues some of the normative issues raised by high technology, particularly the relationship between economy and democracy. Technology, Development and Democracy will be invaluable to students and academics with an interest in economic development, technological change and political economy.

Poverty Strategies in Asia is an examination of a wide range of measures aimed at reducing poverty in the region. It is widely recognized that while high and sustained economic growth is critical for poverty reduction, there are other policy interventions that may also be significant in a 'growth plus' approach to poverty reduction. This volume brings together a series of case studies on the poverty impact of alternative interventions in a broad range of Asian economies. The measures examined within the book cover trade liberalization both in general and in a specific market, infrastructure investment (particularly in roads), population policies, cash transfers, microfinance, employment guarantee programs and contract farming. The countries covered include the Philippines, Lao PDR, Pakistan, India and Thailand. While the results illustrated by the contributors are mixed, they demonstrate the potential for further progress in poverty reduction. This latest joint publication by the ADBI and Edward Elgar Publishing will be warmly welcomed by scholars and researchers of Asian studies and development. Professional economists within international and bilateral development agencies and policymakers will also find much to engage them.

This book explores the notion of a technological system and more specifically the distinction between modern and traditional technological systems. Using highly disaggregated data for a range of sectors and developing countries we have applied this distinction to micro - as well as macro-economic policy issues. By identifying distinct systems of technology in a multisectoral model of the economy we have been able to quantify certain aspects of those systems within a rigorous conceptual framework. The relationship between income distribution, the choice of technology and its subsequent impact is examined in detail.