FIRE RESEARCH AND THE GLOBAL VILLAGE

International fire research activities, priorities, constraints and op portunities are examined from a late 20th century vantage point. Recen t accomplishments in computer technology are identified as the single most important phenomenon responsible for the advancement of the scien ce and ''shrinking'' of the globe. Computer technology and the global research cooperation it has engendered are put within the context of s ocietal demands and research funding limitations impacting on fire res earch activities in the various research organisations. Society's insi stence on fiscal responsibility in the conduct of science is symptomat ic of a greater need to balance increased demand for resources by a gr owing world population with the sustainability imperative. Fire resear ch and its practitioners are well positioned to contribute meaningfull y to the debate on ecosystem management, restoration and sustainabilit y currently underway in the global village.