Engineering Research—Are Developing Nations Getting Value for Money?

Many developing countries spend large sums of money annually to train engineers and applied scientists in developed countries. Upon returning to their countries, many are employed in universities, polytechnic institutes, research centers and research units of industrial establishments. This paper examines research situations in the developing countries and concludes that more can be gained from these professionals than is presently being realized. Changes in government policies, promotion criteria in academic establishments, and the utilization of research results are necessary if these countries are going to get better value for the money spent on the training and employment of their engineers.