The Forum of Free Enterprise is a non-political organization founded in 1956 by A. D. Shroff, and has been established to educate public opinion in India on free enterprise and a democratic way of life. The Forum publishes booklets to further its objects. The following booklet titled ‘The Application of Science and Technology to Socio-economic development’ is authored by Professor M.S. Thacker and published in 1971. The author elucidates the increasing significance of science and technology, its practical applications, contribution to the economy, its drawbacks, and the need for technological assimilation. He traces the development of science and technology over years and highlights how the world war intensified the need to apply science and technology. He ponders over the question of social cost and benefit of technology as compared to its private cost and benefits. The lecture also explores the impact of brain-drain on the economy and the need to develop human resources. He proposes recommendations to include science and technology in the growth of the country.