International Technology Transfer To Developing Countries

Reappraises the role of international technology transfer in economic development in light of the globalization of the world economy. Provides an overview and historiography of technology transfer mechanisms, then discusses new technology transfer issues, particularly "sourcing," which have emerged as a result of increasing globalization, leading to an increased understanding of how developing economies and economies in transition could approach technology transfer policy in an increasingly globalized and open economic environment. Radosevich is a research fellow with SPRU, Science and Technology Policy Research at the University of Sussex, UK. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Bridging the technology gap is an issue faced by most countries but in developing countries the issue is doubly critical; not only do they lag further behind relative to other countries but they face more stringent resource constraints.Part one of this report identifies the role played by existing policy in trade, foreign direct investment and intellectual property rights in facilitating International Technology Transfer (ITT). Pertinent analysis of the major implications of the report is given.The WTO Working Group on Trade and Technology Transfer was established with the aim of encouraging technology transfer to developing countries. Part Two of the report outlines the Group's Findings for increasing flows of technology.This title provides a thorough overview of the economics of ITT relevant to developing countries and will be invaluable as a reference tool for policy makers, trade officials and trade negotiators.

For many years it was assumed that technology transfer would prove an unqualified answer for the problems of the developing nations, vastly simplifying and accelerating their rate of economic development. The papers in this volume question these assumptions demonstrating how technology transfer can be very costly and that success is contingent upon a variety of factors including, the direction of indigienous technology and the political setting of the recipient country.

Distinguished economists, political scientists, and legal experts discuss the implications of the increasingly globalized protection of intellectual property rights for the ability of countries to provide their citizens with such important public goods as basic research, education, public health, and environmental protection. Such items increasingly depend on the exercise of private rights over technical inputs and information goods, which could usher in a brave new world of accelerating technological innovation. However, higher and more harmonized levels of international intellectual property rights could also throw up high roadblocks in the path of follow-on innovation, competition and the attainment of social objectives. It is at best unclear who represents the public interest in negotiating forums dominated by powerful knowledge cartels. This is the first book to assess the public processes and inputs that an emerging transnational system of innovation will need to promote technical progress, economic growth and welfare for all participants.

The objective of this book is to present the problems and possibilities of transferring technology from the developed countries to the developing countries. It presents the conceptual issues, legal ramifications, empirical testing of mathematical models and case studies of different industries.

The book is the culmination of a research effort which spanned all continents and involved a large number of research teams from both the industrialised and developing countries. The book addresses a number of key issues related to technology transfer by small and medium-sized enterprises most especially whether such companies are more effective transferors than larger transnational corporations. A key aspect of the research was the fact that firms in source and host countries were matched to assure a degree of consistency in the firm coverage and their responses.

Controlling International Technology Transfer: Issues, Perspectives, and Policy Implications discusses topics that concern technology transfer control. The book assesses related issues and perspectives, as well as examines alternative policy imperatives from different perspectives. The text is comprised of 15 chapters, which are organized into three parts. The first part contains Chapters 1 to 8 that tackle the underlying issues of technology transfer control, such as alternative channel and modes, the impact of new control systems, pricing, taxation, and business practices. The second part contains Chapters 9 to 14, which cover topics concerning policy perspectives and implication, such as control incentives, technology importing/exporting, and control systems. The last part contains Chapter 15, which provides a closing discussion regarding actors, issues, and alternatives. This book will be of great interest to readers who are concerned with the technology transfer systems.