Development and transfer of advanced technology: the paradigm of equal partnership

Abstract

Technology transfer has traditionally been viewed as a ‘donor-recipient’ relationship. But in a business scenario characterized by liberalization, privatization and globalization, a new paradigm based on equal partnership is emerging. In this article we examine two contrasting case studies - one a successful and the other an unsuccessful case of technology transfer - against the frameworks of the old and new paradigms. In so doing we identify a few factors that contribute to the successful implementation of a technology transfer initiative. Many of these factors belong to the ‘equal partnership’ paradigm. While technology flow need not always be in two directions, the benefit flow in successful transfer is most likely to be two-way.