Economic Restructuring, Technology Transfer and Human Resource Development

This is a completely revised edition of a unique and successful book which integrates the interrelated issue of economic development, transfer of technology, and the preparedness of countries and enterprises to receive and assimiliate new technologies. Based on a first-hand study, the authors provide a comprehensive and comparative analysis of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and India, and discuss the respective experiences of these four economies with structural adjustment and financial reforms. They support their macroanalysis with a detailed examination of organizations in these countries which have restructured their operations so as to usher in technological change. These case studies highlight the importance of creating a conducive climate in terms of infrastructure development and suitable investment policies. However, the authors found that the most crucial factor in the successful transfer and absorption of technology has been the capacity and skill of human resources to assimilate new technologies both at the level of the enterprise and of the nation. Thus, the adoption of appropriate HRD strategies, they conclude, is the key factor in order to derive the maximum benefits from technological transfers. In this new edition the authors take into account the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis and outline the possible steps that can be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. They advocate some additional measures to encourage technological growth and development while providing the most recent statistics. The comparative study of the differing strategies adopted by the four Asian countries and organizations within them and the pertinent analysis of the recent financial crisis provide important lessons for India and other developing nations. With its comprehensive coverage, wealth of practical information and latest data, this book will be an indispensable resource for policy-makers, planners, HRD managers, CEOs, and all those involved with technology transfer, as also for students of economics, business management and human resource development.