Is the United States Losing Technological Influence in the Developing Countries?

The developing countries, which have over the centuries made their contribution to world scientific ideas, are today in a state of technological dependence and economic deprivation. The United States, which after World War II reached the zenith of prosperity and power, now has a reduced share of the world's research expenditures, patent awards, and trade in high-technology products. Japan, Europe, and the newly industrialized countries have accelerated their pace of technological development. In absolute terms, America is still ahead in the international technology race, judged by its scientific research and education systems, corporation-university synergy, innovation, and employment in small businesses. This article reviews U.S. technological influence from a Third World perspective and concludes that the developing countries are now generally more hospitable to American technology and investment; in turn, America needs their markets and raw materials. Revised forward-looking policies by U.S. government and corporations could well prolong the American Century.