MIRCENs: Mechanism for international co-operation in applied microbiology and biotechnology

Abstract

In order that developing countries reach industrial parity with the technologically advanced societies, international co-operation utilizes the twin vehicles of bilateral and multilateral assistance, which are built around the cornerstone of technology transfer. Broadly speaking, technology transfer from North to South has mirrored goals and technological growth patterns that are common to the industrialized societies. A factor often overlooked is the direct local participation of local scientists vis-a-vis local decision-makers, in the various stages of developing, implementing and maintaining sustained self-reliant and self-developed technological growth. The evolution, the achievements and the future prospects of the MIRCEN—a global network of core-MIRCEN laboratories and their regional networks, along with those in the industrialized societies, self-recommends itself as an apt mechanism for national development and international co-operation in applied microbiology and biotechnology.