Information technology (computers, communication, etc.) has become an indispensable part of modern life. As such, it is being transferred to the developing world from industrialized countries. However, real technology transfer rarely takes place in such transactions. What the Third World ends up with are prepackaged end products, for which it typically pays a great deal of money. As long as the industrialized countries hesitate to share their research and manufacturing methods, the developing nations will be at their mercy in this vital area. The Third World, in turn, should not expect a "free ride" in this connection, but should develop an information technology of its own.
