U.S. Agency for International Development
US Programs to Promote Technology Cooperation: The Role of Information
Presented by: Virginia Gorsevski
April 19, 2002 Beijing, China UNFCCC Workshop on Technology Information
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Presentation Overview
• Background Information on USAID
• Technology, Information and Development • Role of US Government Programs • Examples of Some Existing Programs • Future Directions: Example of US – CTC
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USAID Promotes Economic, Development and Humanitarian Assistance
§ An Independent Agency of the US Government. § Work in over 50 Countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Eastern and Southern Europe and the Former Soviet Union. § Three Pillars Designed to Promote Peace, Health and Prosperity.
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USAID Climate Change Program is Based on a “Win – Win” Approach
§ Engaged in GCC since 1991 § Climate Change Initiative (1997 - 2002)
§ § § § $ 1 Billion over Five Years 40 Participating Countries Focus on Four Areas Over 10 MMTCE Avoided from 1998 – 2000
§ Plan to Continue GCC-Related Efforts Post 2002 as Announced by President Bush
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How Do Development, Technology and Information Fit Together?
§ We take a “technology neutral” approach. § The focus is on development. § Technology plays an important role. § Climate-friendly technologies are often a strong option – our job is to present the case and facilitate cooperation.
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If There Were No Barriers, It Would Be Simple.
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Institutional Political Technological Economic Financial Cultural Legal Participation and Consultation Information
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Information is Critical to the Process
§ what is the national and local situation? § what are the existing options? § which options are the most appropriate? § how to access? § how to finance? § how to install and maintain? § how to monitor performance? § how to replicate?
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Access to Information Can Facilitate Technology Cooperation
§ Link “supply” with “demand.” § Help build local capacity and know-how. § Share “lessons learned” from past programs, across regions, within countries, etc. § Evaluate various policies and practices. § Integrate climate change considerations into existing programs. § Provide contact information – access to experts and institutions.
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The US Supports Many Programs and Projects That Serve These Purposes
§ Examples Include:
§Ecolinks §US-Asia Environmental Partnership §Global Technology Network §Energy Partnership Program §Information for Africa Climate Technology Transfer
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ECO Links (www.ecolinks.org)
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Seeks practical, market-based solutions to industrial and urban environmental problems. Operates in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Links businesses, local governments, and associations from the E&E region with their counterparts in the United States. Services include grants, seminars, technology reps., trade leads.
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US - Asia Environment Partnership (www.usaep.org)
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Public-private initiative that promotes environmentally sustainable development in Asia. Four program areas – Policy, Urban, Industry and Technology Cooperation. Works in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Flexible vehicle with participation by governments, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.
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Global Technology Network (www.usgtn.net)
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Matches the technological needs of companies in developing countries with technical solutions. Agribusiness, ICT, Environment and Energy, Health and Medical Technology. Provides information on financing sources, training, and market information. Has helped to facilitate over $300 million U.S. dollars in technology transfer.
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Energy Partnership Program
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USEA has organized 73 "cooperative partnerships" between U.S. organizations and counterparts in developing and transitional economies. Provides mechanism for US energy industry to transfer experience in market-based energy production, transmission, and distribution to international counterparts.
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Information for Africa Climate Technology Transfer (iACTT)
Work with counterparts in Africa to improve: I Access of African stakeholders to information on climate friendly technologies and policies. I Information exchange and communication between African climate change stakeholders and with experts around he world. I Africa specific information and case studies on technology and policy implementation available on the internet I Public awareness, education and information dissemination on climate change in Africa.
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US EPA and CTI Provided Early Support for Prototype Clearinghouse
§ Coordinated with UNFCCC Secretariat § Objectives:
§ Improve access to existing Internet-based technology information and tools § Support ongoing discussions on design of TT Information Clearinghouse
§ Current work focuses on a directory of Technology Expert Centers in Developing Countries
§ § § § Searchable directory to ID and access local experts/networks Prototype directory on-line for testing 85 existing centers in the database 15 Outreach to encourage additional registration
Lessons Learned and Recommendations
§ A lot of information that is constantly changing § Key issue = efficient access by end users § Many existing institutions and systems provide the foundation for the TT clearinghouse § International clearinghouse efforts should primarily link and enhance existing system
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Future Planned Activities
§Merge into US – CTC §Expand Coverage of Database §Add Content on Case Studies and Methods §Link as Component to UNFCCC Clearinghouse
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US - Climate Technology Cooperation
§ Support Article 4.5 § Major Components:
§ § § § § § Consolidate Information on US Programs Provide Tools and Resources Build Capacity Share “Lessons Learned” Support Clearinghouse of Experts Link to UNFCCC
§ Effectiveness Requires User Input
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Further information
Virginia Gorsevski US Agency for International Development Tel 202-712-1463 Email: vgorsevski@usaid.gov Paul Schwengels US Environmental Protection Agency Tel 202-564-3847 Email: schwengels.paul@epa.gov
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