An interesting article from the World Bank website discusses their recent 2009 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Global Forum in Washington in December. The Forum facilitated many discussions about how to better pair science and technology solutions with local development needs. These discussions can range from cheap but effective artificial limbs and vaccines to solar panels and boosting crop yields with less water.
Policymakers are well aware that few countries can hope to achieve their development goals without enhanced scientific, engineering, and technical/vocational capacities. STI Coordinator, Al Watkins, comments on the global economy demanding greater innovation and entrepreneurial activity to produce more value-added goods and services. If you missed these presentations, several of the presenters recorded their ideas in video diary entries which you can find on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/STIGlobalForum.
You can also learn much more at http://www.WorldBank.org/STI.