Intermediate technology

Intermediate technology is infrastructural capital that is at least an order of magnitude more expensive than that prevalent in a developing nation but also at least an order of magnitude less expensive than that prevalent in a developed nation offering aid. It is a technology that can be easily purchased and used by poor people, and which can lead to greater productivity while minimizing social dislocation. For instance, if a typical workplace costs $1 to equip with primitive tools, but a competitive modern industrial approach would require a workplace costing $1000, then the 'intermediate technologies' are those that cost $10-$100 per workplace. The term was popularized by E. F. Schumacher and his colleagues working on early human development theory in the 1960s. It was explained in depth in his book "Small is Beautiful", which offered a sharp critique of then-prevalent approaches to development aid.

Related Topics:
Infrastructural capital - Developing nation - Developed nation - Productivity - Social dislocation - E. F. Schumacher - Human development theory - Small is Beautiful

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~