| Summary: | This study examines planning issues relating to the introduction of technological innovations in developing countries. Three major problem areas with respect to planning for innovation-introduction have been identified: (a) a disproportionate "Application-Focus" as compared to an "Organizational-Focus", that is, more concern for the innovation characteristics than for the contextual and people-related aspects of an innovation; (b) insufficient attention during a pilot study, to factors that could affect the future possibilities of an innovation and (c) lack of mechanisms to detect and address probable changes required in the technology, the users or the intervention process for effective use of the innovation. Literature on representative innovation projects involving technology such as radio and television for education in developing countries and theories and models of innovation research have been reviewed. The review of projects indicates the criticality of Organizational and Long-Term issues for the success of an innovation's installation and future. The review of innovation theories and models reflects an increase over time, in the level of synthesis of factors affecting the innovation process and in the emphasis on human and contextual aspects. A field study was conducted in Lesotho, Southern Africa to assess the viability of using electronic learning aids to supplement literacy and numeracy education in primary schools and to identify factors affecting the introduction and future use of this innovation. Conclusions, implications and recommendations, specific to this project and for innovation planners and practitioners in general, have been presented. The study concludes that despite the encouraging results of the exploratory study, substantial efforts on the part of the innovators, major changes in the infrastructure and intensive marshalling of resources would be required for large-scale, long-term use of the aids in Lesotho. An extensive pilot-study is recommended as an essential "first-step". For innovation planners and practitioners, the study recommends a balance between Organizational and Application perspectives, and a consideration of long-term aspects during the introductory phase.
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