Written in readable, non-technical terms, a set of lessons are provided here for structuring a successful programme of technical cooperation. Drawing on his and others' relevant experience, the author aims his work specifically at the donor community and firms or individuals in charge of such a program's implementation. Struyk builds from the foundation that the ultimate goal of such work should be to foster development in the recipient area; that such programmes should be replaced by local institutions once knowledge and expertise has been passed on. To help his readers realize this aim, he gives specific case-study evidence applicable to the newly-independent states.