The Engineer in the Very Small Developing Country

Abstract

The present and future role of engineers in very small developing countries (VSDC's) is reviewed. Technology is recognized as important in developing countries, but engineers and engineering employers are not doing enough in the VSDC to smooth the development path and make the best use of limited human resources. In many developing countries, engineers are under‐utilized because, although their technical expertise is appreciated, the different roles of engineers, scientists and engineering technicians are often not clear to the public or government. The value of resident engineers and visiting consultants is contrasted to types of duty and support technical staff. Recommendations are made which should improve engineering conditions, encourage engineer involvement in nontechnical areas, and lead to better use of engineering skills in VSDC's.