of integrated microcircuits based on the same elements as transistorsr but ttith a nuch nore and still increasing intensity in exptoitation. An electronic device, which, r.ri th tube technology I weighs one kilogram, lrould, with transistor technology, only need 10 to I00 grams of naterial' whiLe nicrocircuits ttith the same or better gualities weigh only a few rnicrograrns. 49,/ 92. These examples provide only an illustrative - rather than a conpletely historical - description of how the orientation of technology cannot be considered an entirely autoncmous process. This perspeccive j.s extremely important in determining the resilience of econornies to any attempts at reversing the present trends r{rh ich apparently run counter to the requirernents of socio-econonic development. The longer they persist, the heavier tould be their socio-econonic costs and the more overbearing would be the apparent problens of their reversal.In this req)ect, the military orientation of world{ide R and D cannot be overstressed, even at the cost of repetition of the earlier chapters. In particular, it needs to be enphasized that: (a) Military R and D is rnaking the industry technologically more conplex. The fact that sone of the advanced nilitary technotogies in aerospace andelectronics can also be applied to the civilian sectors is no argument in favour of the exotic technologies which, in several- cases' are already too conplex to ltEet the inrnediate socio-economic needs, particularly of the developing countries. On1y 20 per cent of the results of the hilitary R and D, for example, are knosn to be used in any notable way for civilian purposes. !!,/ (b) Partly due to the relatively l-ong gestation Periods of sophisticated wqrpons systems, varying from 7 to I0 years, which contribute to their raPid obsoXescense, and also because each incremental innovation tends to be nr3re
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the impact of technological advancements, specifically in the field of microcircuits and transistors, on the economy and industry. It highlights the significant reduction in material usage and weight of electronic devices, as well as the increasing complexity of military technologies. The text also touches on the potential socio-economic costs and challenges of reversing the current trends. Given these themes, it is likely that the text is related to the fields of industry, science and technology.

**Category**
Industry, Science and technology