In this issue of the Bulletin we take a look at the transfer of technology from the developed to timeless developed countries, It is now becoming increasingly realized that technological transfers, though obviously of vital importance to the ldc's, are by no means always and necessarily beneficial, But much wider awareness is still needed of tir aLrcumstances in which the effects are likely to be positive for development. As the contributors to this issue make abundantly clear, however, knowledge alone will not cure the problem: what is needed is government action by the ldc's (and preferably at least regionally coordinated verninent action) to counteract the free play of economic forces and to develop a framework or constraints within which technology transfers can occur which have the greatest possible developmental impact.