The education and training of engineering and technical human resources in Africa and in winning industrial nations

Some of the key factors that led to the rapid economic growth of a few developing countries are discussed. Particular attention is given to such countries as Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. It is pointed out that it would appear that scientific, engineering, and technological skills are at the heart of gaining global competitive advantage, but that there must be synergy between the social system and the business and industrial systems for an economy to take off. Economic growth requires growth policies for the social, business, and industrial systems. The systems interact synergistically to bring about growth only if the key factors are energized by a coherent set of growth policies. Education and skills training in technology and the application of technology have a powerful influence on economic growth