Determining the Success or Failure of International Technology Transfer

Abstract

The authors present a conceptual framework that is considered useful for investment studies and consultancy activities on international technology transfer (ITT). Thoroughly elaborated investment studies – by which possible risks and constraints can be identified – can provide valuable support to decision makers in an ITT project. There appears to be no readily available methodology for the assessment of international technology transfer projects, and for mapping the essential factors that have an impact on them. This paper describes the principles of a conceptual framework which forms the basis of a comprehensive methodology for investment studies and consultancy activities to support ITT projects. This ‘Technology Mapping Methodology’ brings in the technological dimension, which has been absent in most conventional socioeconomic analyses and investment studies. The results of the application of this methodology in a number of ITT projects, such as the Tanzanian project described here, demonstrate its usefulness for technology transfer policy and management.