Technology Transfer: Strategic Management in Developing Countries

The transfer of technology from developed to developing countries is an important source of support for sustainable development. However, because the process of technology transfer and its ramifications have rarely been understood in depth, it has led to many failures. This book identifies, analyses and systematically discusses the major factors responsible for the effective transfer of new technology. Professor Cohen maintains that the necessary conditions for a successful transfer and for knowledge flow are complex, involving engineering issues as well as economic, managerial, social and political factors. He develops an essential methodology for rigorous modelling which takes account of these complex quantitative and qualitative factors. Among the important features of his model are: It can be used for policy making/management both at the national level and the strategic one. It allows for crucial but often-neglected variables, including the characteristics of the particular technology, the country involved, and human factors. It presents a realistic model of the demand side of technology transfer, including the issue of bilateral benefits. It can be applied to the assessment of different technologies, in different countries and in various sectors, including service, manufacturing, energy, information systems and health care technology. Providing a practical, step-by-step and holistic model to effectively manage technology transfer, this book will enable governments and organisations to logically make strategic assessments of the outcome of the technologies chosen, as also to determine the appropriateness and sustainability of these technologies. It will be of considerable use to students and scholars in the fields of technology management, strategic management, development studies, operations research, modelling and forecasting, economics and industrial engineering. It will be of equal use to multinational and multilateral organisations, financial institutions and funding agencies, and all those in the operations and R&D departments in the private and public sectors.