An approach to national manpower-planning in science and technology

Abstract

Data from the 1971 Census relating to the stock of graduates having degrees in science and technology has been associated with the data on expenditure on research and development, expenditure on higher education and measures of sectoral economic activity, to form a basis for a national manpower planning model with potential use as a decision aid. It is suggested that there is need for making available reorientation procedures for graduates with specialist degrees in the natural sciences, who are being produced in considerable surplus. This paper outlines a method of approach whereby the hitherto assumed relationship between science, technology and economic development may be examined quantitatively, as an aid in the determination of state policy.