ORIGIN OF TECHNOLOGY
Technology Evolution is the technological efforts genera d within a given country. Essentially, a product of R&D, it is an autocentric design of instrumental action that reduces the uncertainty in the cause-effect relationships involved in achieving a desired outcome, It is the use of science-based knowledge to meet a need. It is an independent bridge between science and new products. Technology draws heavily on scientific advancement and the understanding gained through research and development. It then leverages this information to improve both the performance and overall usefulness of products, systems, and services. Technology Evolution is predicated on the simple economic principle of “inward-looking”.
A very apt illustration at this juncture, is the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) introduced by the Nigerian Military government under the leadership of General Ibrahim Babangida. The aim essentially is to discourage importation of goods and services while encouraging exportation. This would eventually Checkmate the country’s heavy dependence on imported technology for her production. The programme was to engender technological evolution through the utilization of local contents as local substitutes for the imported machines. The Ajaokuta and Osogbo Steel Rolling mills, though failed were both conceived with view to achieving technological evolution. Also, the local fabrications of machines that support our production of garri, palm oil and other locally processed food items are some of the little but insignificant efforts at the attainment of our home grown technologies to assist local production.
