South Asia

Developments in science and technology in South Asia have their origins in the Indus Valley civilization of around 2500 BC, and there is evidence of the use of scientific knowledge since this period in the fields of town planning, metallurgy, medicine and surgery as well as in areas of pure science such as astronomy and mathematics. The emergence of distinct national boundaries in more recent times has resulted in the new nation states developing their own scientific infrastructures which may perhaps be described as composites of their traditional learning, influences from the colonial era and the need to respond to the very real challenges posed by today's economic conundrums. Contemporary India, with its relative wealth of resources, leads the way in science despite experiencing many of the problems that afflict science and technology (S&T) in the rest of South Asia. It is therefore useful to discuss the degrees of success achieved in S&T in India and to analyse against this background the need for broad-based scientific development in the rest of South Asia.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth