New SRI International Study Examines Public Attitudes about Science and Technology in Asia and the United States

Analyst Jongwon Park Presents Findings of First Study to Link Cultural Attitudes and National Policy at AAAS Annual Meeting

MENLO PARK, Calif. – February 17, 2005– Jongwon Park, a senior policy analyst with independent nonprofit research institute SRI International, will present results of a new study of public attitudes and understanding of science and technology (S&T) in four selected Asian countries – Japan, China, Korea and Malaysia – on Friday, February 18 at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C.   Park will present findings on attitudes toward technology adoption, global warming and alternative medicine, among others.

In his presentation, "Comparing Public Attitudes and Understanding about Science & Technology in Asia: Why Do They Love Mobile Phones So Much?," Park will explore the relationship between the early adoption and popularity in Asia of high-tech gadgets, such as mobile phones, and how this technological enthusiasm translates into national research and development policy.   Park's study, which is based on third-party national survey data available in the four selected Asian countries, also compares results from an identical survey focused on U.S. attitudes toward science and technology.

"Korea, Japan, China and Malaysia are four very compelling developing economies," said Park. "In addition, Malaysia may be the only Islamic country that has conducted a national survey on this topic. As these economies continue to both grow and offer market opportunities and increased competition, it is important and beneficial to better understand their attitudes toward science and technology."

Members of the media may attend the presentation by registering on site at no cost by presenting a business card clearly showing media affiliation and position, a current recognized press card distributed by a media outlet, or a recent bylined article bearing the media member's name and affiliation. For more information on media registration, please visit http://www.eurekalert.org/aaasnewsroom/2005/page.php?page=registration

About SRI International
Silicon Valley-based SRI International ( www.sri.com ) is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. Founded as Stanford Research Institute in 1946, SRI has been meeting the strategic needs of clients for almost 60 years. The nonprofit research institute performs client-sponsored research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses and private foundations. In addition to conducting contract R&D, SRI licenses its technologies, forms strategic partnerships and creates spin-off companies.

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