The dynamics of technology : creation and diffusion of skills and knowledge / edited by Roddam Narasimha, J. Srinivasan, S.K. Biswas.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Narasimha, R.

Srinivasan, Jagannathan.

Biswas, S. K., 1945-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Technology--Social aspects.

Technology.

Physical Description:

301 pages : illustrations, maps ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

New Delhi ; Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Sage Publications, 2003.

Summary:

This is a good book for a general reader to understand the inter-relationship between science, technology and society and particularly the contribution made by engineers towards technology development' - "Technovation

This volume, a collection of 10 essays by leading practitioners from both east and west, shows how technology, which has become a major force in our lives today, is itself like a powerful engine. The creation and maintenance of this engine depends on engineers, on ideas from science, research and development, on the pressures and constraints of the market place and national security, on the skills and knowledge of manpower and on the financial resources that banks, governments and other institutions can command and provide.

This book does not expound any one point of view. Rather, it tries to understand how the engine of technology works, how it is a complex system whose working is shaped by political, economic, social and cultural forces and in turn shapes them.

Contents:

Introduction: The Technology Engine: The Dynamics of Technology Creation and Diffusion / Roddam Narasimha, J. Srinivasan, S.K. Biswas 1

I. Technology in History: Case Studies and Concepts, circa 1700-2000 / Ian Inkster 21

II. Transplanting Technology: Two Episodes in Japanese History / Hiroshi Sato 85

III. Science, Technology and Society: A Tale about Rocket Development during 1750-1850 / Roddam Narasimha 111

IV. Challenge, Response and Serendipity in the Design of Materials / Robert W. Cahn 137

V. The Science and Art of Processing Materials / K. Balasubramanian, P. Rama Rao 155

VI. Energy and Economics in a Consumer Society / Sir Hugh Ford 197

VII. R&D in Industry / Ashok S. Ganguly 213

VIII. Ideas and Idealism in Technology / Arnold Pacey 233

IX. Thoughts on Engineering Education / Hans W. Liepmann 265

X. Can the Cultures of India Survive the Information Age? / Kenneth Keniston 277.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0761996702

8178291347

OCLC:

52216147