SEMAINE D'ÉTUDE SUR LE ROLE DE L'ANALYSE ECONOMETRIQUE ETC.
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point mentioned by Dr. Pasinetti, namely, the deliberate inter-
vention of the human mind in the form of learning and technology,
to which I should also like to add the word « science » and also
the word « research » covering both science and technology. It
will be convenient to define in what way I am using these words,
remembering, that all definitions are partly arbitrary. The object
of « science research » (including not only the natural sciences but
also the social sciences) is to know nature more adequately; the
object of « technological research » is to use scientific knowledge
to do something more efficiently, that is, to solve practical problems,
or to bring about changes in society in an effective way. Using the
words in this sense, « science », « technology » and « research »
are most important factors, perhaps the most important factors in
economic development. All the natural resources have been avail-
able since the beginning of the human civilisation; iron ore and
ther metals and coal, for millions of years; the significant factor
was the intervention of the human mind, learning about nature
which I am calling science and then trying to utilize such knowledge
for useful purposes which I am calling technology. To bring science,
:echnology and research into economics or econometrics seems to
me to be a most exciting way of looking on the modern world.
Natural resources would also come in because the type of technology
‘0 be developed would be determined by the available resources;
so long as we have national boundaries technology would have to
oe oriented towards exploiting given resources. Also, I take it that
‘he object of science, technology, research and learning would be
iimed at continually changing the structure; this would be, I think,
‘he truly dynamic part of the work in-sharp contrast to the static
approach.
DORFMAN
Professor PASINETTI is opening the window on a new and very
significant line of investigation. My main reaction is one of hopeful
anticipation, but I guess I have two warnings to utter.
10] Pasinetti - pag. 121
