In the context of Pakistan the
task of strengthening Higher Education was rendered more difficult,
given that "Pakistan's health, education and women status
indicators are poor " and that "there are burgeoning
deficits in government spending and foreign trade”.
"A natural first step"
he said" involves devising ways to use the available resources
more efficiently…"A strong science and technology base…is
less a luxury and more a necessity…as it puts (countries) in
a stronger position to select and implement existing technologies,
and then adapt them to local circumstances". He drew attention
to the fact that the Green Revolution was first born in Pakistan.
Full Text of Bloom's
Presentation
incomes". The gains at society levels "emanate from
higher education contributions to entrepreneurism, leadership
and governance. Pakistan", he said "must plan for
tomorrow's world" which is "increasingly unforgiving
of laggards". Successful economies "exploit natural
resources, accumulate physical capital and build infrastructure…Their
workers require general and special skills…trade vigorously…And
have liberal policy environments that encourage competitiveness…Higher
Education contributes…to the accumulation and wise use of resources
, the creation of favorable and forward looking policy environments…and
national resources in the area of science and technology".