MACHINE NAME = WEB 1

Transfer of technology and knowledge-sharing for development: Science, technology and innovation issues for developing countries

UNCTAD Current Studies on Science, Technology and Innovation, No 8

Technological learning and innovation are essential for economic growth and development and are major determinants of long-term improvements in income and living standards.

While in the more advanced economies technological progress involves the generation of new knowledge that can be applied to productive activity, for developing countries technological progress is strongly influenced by their ability to access, adapt and diffuse technological knowledge that has been generated abroad.

For this reason, the implications for trade and development of the technology gap between developed and developing countries and the question of how to promote transfer and diffusion of technology have been part of international discussions for decades.

What do we mean by transfer of technology?

  • The assignment, sale and licensing of all forms of industrial property, except for trade marks, service marks and trade names when they are not part of technology transfer transactions.

  • The provision of know-how and technical expertise in the form of feasibility studies, plans, diagrams, models, instructions, guides, formulae, basic or detailed engineering designs, specifications and equipment for training, services involving technical advisory and managerial personnel, and personnel training.

  • The provision of technological knowledge necessary for the installation, operation and functioning of plant and equipment, and turnkey projects.

  • The provision of technological knowledge necessary to acquire, install and use machinery, equipment, intermediate goods and/or raw materials which have been acquired by purchase, lease or other means.

  • The provision of technological contents of industrial and technical cooperation arrangements (UNCTAD, 1985).

Outline of the report

This report reviews some basic concepts underlying technology and knowledge transfer theory and practice and presents some concerns that may inform the policy choices of developing and developed countries in this field.

Chapter 2 describes the knowledge and technology gaps that exist between developed and developing countries, and analyses the dimensions that determine technological capabilities with the intention of providing a clear contour of the target areas for transfer of technology policies.

Chapter 3 studies the various channels of technology and knowledge t ransfer and di s cusses thei r rel a t ive performance and the opportunities and challenges they present for policymakers.

Chapter 4 looks into the importance of building effective innovation systems and absorptive capacities in order to enable transfer of technology and innovation through the various available channels.

Chapter 5 covers the issue of the relationship between national and international property rights frameworks and the effectiveness of transfer of technology efforts.

Chapter 6 describes the scope of technology and knowledge transfer needs from the development perspective in a number of key sectors and applications of technology.

Chapter 7 presents a discussion of the process of economic discovery that leads from technology transfer to innovation and how properly understanding and supporting this process is vital for positive development outcomes.

Finally, Chapter 8 develops a number of conclusions.

Transfer of technology and knowledge-sharing for development: Science, technology and innovation issues for developing countries - UNCTAD Current Studies on Science, Technology and Innovation, No 8  (UNCTAD/DTL/STICT/2013/8)
17 Dec 2014