GATT AND THE TECHNOLOGY BASE IN INDIA

Research and development are essential for generating a technology bas e in a country. Ever since independence, efforts have been made to str engthen the science base in India, but very little efforts were made t o develop a technology base in the country, although this is essential for producing quality goods as well as for creating new products. The industrial base did develop here to some extent because of self-relia nce being an objective before the industry. Self-reliance eroded the s pirit of competition, which is essential for long-term success. As a r esult, exports have suffered because of the poor quality of Indian pro ducts. Now, with the introduction of GATT implications, let us see how far these will strengthen or weaken the already existing technology b ase in India by encouraging the leap-frogging of certain technologies in the country.