IDRC helps developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions to the social, economic, and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies that developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies. It supports research principally in four program areas: Social and Economic Policy; Environment and Natural Resource Management; Information and Communication Technologies for Development; and Innovation, Policy and Science. IDRC is financed by the Parliament of Canada; its policies, however, are set by an international Board of Governors.