THE United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) called for the creation of a centralized repository for open-source technologies to assist developing countries in achieving sustainable economic recovery from pandemic.
In a policy brief, Unctad said open-source technologies are crucial in supporting digital transformation and production of goods that are based on publicly-shared designs because they cost no fee in general.
This is in contrast to traditional technology transfers that require payment of intellectual property royalties, it explained.
“As a result, such transfers are often too costly for many users in developing countries or too difficult to adapt and adopt locally. Financial and intellectual property constraints make traditional technology transfer a significant challenge in developing countries,” the UN committee added.
As such, Unctad said that accessing information about open-source technologies is necessary because there are still challenges when it comes to disseminating knowledge on said tools.
“It is increasingly clear that open-source technical information can help in the building and sharing of the global stock of knowledge, particularly in developing countries,” the Unctad said. “A centralized repository of such information could help developing countries leapfrog to sustainable, inclusive and resilient recoveries.”
The UN group noted that the proposed database should contain free information, data, plans, digital designs and manufacturing files for assembly, among others.
It must serve as a one-stop shop for parties looking for open-source technologies that can address their specific concerns, the Unctad suggested.
“The database should cover all technical areas without being limited to specific sectors or applications, as open-source technologies can often help solve problems far beyond the scope of their intended use,” it explained.
In terms of database management, Unctad said it should be operated by a non-profit entity from an international and highly trusted organization, noting that UN is ready to take the helm.
Appropriate technology
THE UN committee noted that appropriate technology is an area that is “ripe for open-source development,” especially for the developing countries. It refers to technologies that are “small-scale, affordable, decentralized, energy efficient, environmentally sound and easily and economically utilized from readily available resources by local communities to meet their needs.”
Among the appropriate technologies acited by Unctad include an “automatable” field-camera track system. It monitors how plants are performing in their environment, in addition to quantifying the crop lodging and movement under field wind conditions.
The group also took note of solar cookers for cooking and baking, which decrease carbon dioxide emissions, improve indoor air quality and promote equitable access to energy.
Other appropriate technologies mentioned by Unctad are 3-dimensional printed laboratory-grade optical microscope and open-source image processing and analysis software.
“An ever-increasing number of organizations, groups and individuals have adopted open-source appropriate technologies. Many such technologies are being shared, ranging from those intended for making consumer goods to those intended for making scientific and medical equipment,” the group said.
