3 Review(s)

The least developed countries (LDCs) are group of 50 countries identified by the United Nations (UN) as being 'least developed' in terms of low gross national income (GNI) per capita, high levels of extreme poverty (based on indicators for nutrition, child mortality rates, school enrolment, and adult literacy levels), and a high degree of economic vulnerability. "The Least Developed Countries Report 2007" focuses on national and international policies that promote progress in knowledge industries, technological learning, and innovation as a catalytic input to the development of productive capacities in the LDCs.The report focuses on five areas: mechanisms and policies to enhance technology transfers to these countries through international trade, foreign direct investment and licensing; the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) issues are treated, particularly in poverty reduction strategy papers (PR SPs), and their integration into development strategies; intellectual property rights and related incentive systems; the loss of skilled human resources through emigration; and ways in which foreign aid can be used to promote technological learning and innovation capacity in the LDCs.