Description

In early 1961 the Ho-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (Ho-Institute for Economic Research) established an "African Studies Centre" with the support of the Fritz-Thyssen-Foundation to conduct research into the economic and political problems of developing countries, with spe- cial reference to the African nations. By means of investigations into thestructure and prospects of development in the developing countries, the Studies Centre will aim at contributing towards the creation of a factual groundwork, on the basis of which the Federal Republic's develop- ment policy can be carried out effectively. In this "age of development" the social and economic sciences are confronted with manifold tasks. In solving these, interdisciplinary co- operation will prove advantageous and even essential, if wrong and narrow judgements are to be avoided. Co-operation between scientists and institutes engaged in different branches of research will make possible a better und er- standing of the complex functional relationship which determine economic events and their mutations outside Western industrial society than could be normally achieved by an isolated approach. Intelligent overall economic planning, for example, requires technological analysis just as much as a precise knowledge of social structure or physical context. At this point the economist must co-operate closely with the engineer if he wishes to avoid losing his way in general patterns of growth. For, "des lors que nous parions (du developpement) en quantites globales, nous ne parions de rien" (LoUIs- ]OSEPH LEBRET).