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.