An International System for the Exchange of Information on Science and Technology for Policy-making, Management, and Development (SPINES) was established to provide a decentralized international system for information exchange between member states which collect, process, and disseminate basic data on science and technology with special emphasis on applications to development. This report describes the goals of the system, summarizes activities from 1970 to 1976, reviews operational features, introduces planned activities for 1977 to 1982, and details issues to be discussed at the 19th general conference of UNESCO. (EMH)