| In 1965, radical economist and philosopher Fritz Schumacher published an article in which he pointed out the inadequacies of conventional aid policies. At the time they were based on the transfer of modern large-scale technologies to developing countries. |
| Schumacher argued that the emphasis should be placed on 'intermediate technologies' based on the needs of the people of developing countries. |
| In 1966 the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) ( now known as Practical Action) was born. |
| In 1968 an Enquiry Service was set up, which allowed volunteers to aid the group. |
| In 1969 Intermediate Technology Consultants (Practical Action Consulting) was founded. The company provides services to organizations such as ODA, and the World Bank on technology. |
| In 1978 IT Power is established as a business unit of Practical Action. Soon it becomes an independent organization, as it undertakes over 700 projects in 91 countries. |