During discussion early on, we also agreed to extend this definition to include electronic communications because e-mail is often the first form of Internet activity in developing countries. The first half of the discussion concentrated on the first three questions because they were interrelated in nature. It was pointed out with concern, however, that scientific publishing in many developing countries is of a very fragile nature. Scientists often prefer to publish in North American or European journals rather than in journals of their own country or region. Often academic and research institutions in developing countries value these journals more highly, as do many scientists.
Governments can play a role, as well.
In both Mexico and Brazil, for instance, the Councils for Science and Technology have set up committees to establish criteria and evaluate local journals. A related problem is the fact that scientific research in developing countries is often unknown to the rest of the world and sometimes not even circulated outside of the institution where it is being carried out. It does not appear in the international indices nor are there adequate local indexing and abstraction services to fill the gaps. One task is to use the new technologies to the maximum extent possible to produce appropriate indices and databases of developing country research information, and also take advantage of specialised international indices, such as Medline and CAB Abstracts. Just as developing countries need to create their own databases and electronic products, they also need to take more control over the technology itself.