to accelerate this process new technology mechanisms to support knowledgetransfers and strengthen countries sti capacities were launched at the summit and through the addis ababa action agenda aaaa which was agreed at the third international conference on financing for development in july while some developing countries are on track to catch up or even surpass many advanced economies in research spending and the adoption of new technologies other countries are still struggling with basic social and infrastructure needs such as basic education and access to electricity if these basic needs are not addressed there is a risk that the technology gap will widen across countries in the coming years