Discuss the Role of Science and Technology in the Economic Development of Cuba

CUBA BIOTECH

1. Discuss the role of science and technology in the economic development of Cuba.

In 1961 one of the main objectives of the Cuba socialist movement was the "knowledge policy'". This policy encouraged the nationalization of education, which means that all people were able to access free education. The government also undertook the development of further education; educational programs for peasants, and paid special attention to the education of women (Aqueil, 2005).

Once the "knowledge policy" was in place and the people of Cuba were given access to education, further policies were implements, one of which is known as the "Scientific and Technological Policy". This policy has gone through three main stages. The first stage 'Controlled promotion of science' that strived to develop an R&D sector, something that had never before existed in Cuba; this involves creating research institutions and training the researchers, professors and employees who work there. The next stage is the 'Centralized control model' which was "the identification of priority problems and the "the introduction of results" into socioeconomic life" (Aqueil, 2005).. The final stage in the policy is the "science and technological innovation model" this stage is still active today and consists of new technological innovations, which are aimed at generating new strategic opportunities within Cuba (Aqueil, 2005)..

Universal access to education was clearly the most important factor that set up optimal conditions that helped Cuba develop such a high technology industry. Further, when research institutions come together and work closely together through collaboration, especially when the development of their country is dependent on their findings, the results tend to me extremely impressive, and the nation can be proud its achievements. It is through such political policies that Cuba has become a world leader in biotechnological research and developments (Jover & Cerezo, 2008).

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2. Compare some of the accomplishments in the biotechnology field within the last three years amongst three leading countries in the industry

It is impressive to say that today, many of the world leaders in biotechnology are developing countries, such as China, Cuba and India to name a few. Biotechnology, which is also known as the genetic modification of living materials, has been an asset worldwide.

Countries such as Cuba and India have developed affordable vaccines, antibiotic drugs and diagnostic tools/measures, which have helped millions of people with accessing drugs as well as treating diseases, which were not always curable. Further, Countries such as Cuba, Brazil and Argentina, are building partnerships between them, while collaborating with each other and gathering their resources, they are able to address a common problem in their countries respectively, where individuals can only afford low-priced health products. Because of their partnerships they are able