World Development Report 1998/99: Knowledge for Development [Paperback]

World Bank (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0195211189 | ISBN-13: 978-0195211184 | Edition: 21st edition

The information revolution makes understanding knowledge and development more urgent than before. New communication technologies and plummeting computing costs are transforming distance and eroding borders and time, but the fact remains that people still lack basic, life-saving knowledge because simple information does not flow as readily as one would hope. This year's Report, the twenty-first in this annual series, examines the role of knowledge in advancing economic and social well being. It proposes that we step back from the familiar problems of development and consider them from a fresh, new perspective: the perspective of knowledge. In studying these issues, the Report considers two sorts of knowledge: how-to knowledge (farming, health or accounting) and knowledge about attributes (the quality of a product, credibility of a borrower, or the diligence of an employee). The Report suggests three lessons that are particularly important to the welfare of the billions of people living in developing countries. First, developing countries must institute policies that will enable them to narrow the knowledge gaps that separate poor countries from rich countries. Second, developing country governments, multilateral institutions, non-governmental organizations and the private sector must work together to strengthen the institutions needed to address information problems. Finally, no matter how effective these endeavors are, problems with knowledge will persist, but by recognizing that knowledge is at the core of all our development effort, unexpected solutions to seemingly intractable problems will be discovered.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Excellent theme, well-crafted."--Andrew Gross, Monterey Institute of International Studies

"The World Development Report provides an outstanding source of information for students, laypeople, or professionals. The content and depth of coverage are without rival. Highly recommended!"--Dale DeBoer, University of Colorado

"An indispensable supplement to every course in international economics, especially international economic development. Enriches lectures when using figures, etc. from the text section."--W.J. Feuerlein, Florida Atlantic University

About the Author

The World Bank Group is a group of five international organizations responsible for providing finance and advice to countries for the purposes of economic development and poverty reduction, and for encouraging and safeguarding international investment. The group and its affiliates have their headquarters in Washington, D.C., with local offices in 124 member countries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: World Bank Publications; 21st edition edition (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195211189
• ISBN-13: 978-0195211184
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,267,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Vague concept of knowledge inadequate, April 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: World Development Report 1998/99: Knowledge for Development (Paperback)

This book is a broad summary of the different levels of education and information capacities of developing and industrial countries. It is filled with statistics and enough numbers to resolve any debates and arguments that may arise at a lunch table.