Abstract:
In this paper, the author addresses the issue of whether the least developing countries can afford to spend money on research.  Many studies have shown that these countries would benefit from research as it is essential for development.  Olsson demostrates ways and means of building research capacity in the less affluent regions by utilizing international cooperation as a means for development.  He discusses the institutional context in which research training is considered, financed and organised.  The paper argues that it is necessary to strengthen a broad institutional basis for research combined with concentrated efforts to build a critical mass of competence in selected priority areas and that this requires a highly selective use of resources as well as strict aid management. The discussion begins with an overview of the major problem experienced in African countries which is the lack of resources.  Olsson then outlines the strategies for research development as well as options for research training.  He concludes that African countries should be encouraged to develop and implement similar practices in order to manage their own aid.   

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Olsson, Berit (1996). Developing creative research environments in least developed countries: strategies for international cooperation, In Erik Thulstrup and Hans Thulstrup (eds), Research training for development-proceedings of a conference on research training for countries with limited research capacity , Denmark: Roskilde University Press, 15-32