Capturing the Implications of Services Trade Liberalization

This paper evaluates the impact of service sector trade liberalization on the world economy by a ten-region, eleven-sector CGE model with import embodied technology transfer from developed countries to developing countries. Simulation results show that service sector trade liberalization not only directly affects world service production and trade, but also has significant implications for other sectors in the economy. The major channel of the impact is through inter-industry input-output relations and TFP growth induced from services imported by developing countries from developed countries, which may be embodied with new information and advanced technology.     

中国引进环境技术存在问题研究综述

引进发达国家先进的环境技术是发展中国家用于改善本国环境质量的重要手段。目前全球普遍存在的技术转移方式是国际贸易、外商直接投资、CDM机制下的国际经济合作和国际援助。本文从上述国际环境技术转移的主要方式出发,通过对近年来国内外相关研究文献的研读分析,总结出中国引进环境技术方面存在的障碍和原因,最终提出解决这些问题亟须国际转让机制的创新和政府激励机制的发挥。     

Technology transfer as a learning and developmental process: an analysis of Norwegian programmes on technology transfer

This paper focuses on understanding technology transfer. The point of departure is to construct a model for transfer of technology based on organizational theory. The model identifies the transfer as a socio-technical learning and developmental process (TLD process). Technology is understood as a social construction where human choice and values determine the outcome. A successful transfer of new technology depends on a socio-technical change process, where the success is reached when the local company profitably integrates technology in its day-to-day operation.The TLD model is used as the basis for an empirical analysis of Norwegian programmes on technology transfer. This work is introduced by giving an overview of the literature evaluating the programmes. This literature, strongly influenced by qualitative methodology, does not give much insight into the basic elements of the TLD process. Therefore, the next step in the research is to investigate the models for the programmes in operation.The main conclusion is that no programme design is consciousiy based on understanding technology transfer as a socio-technical learning and developmental process. Firstly, technology is usually considered as a material artefact and not as a carrier of knowledge and cultural values. Secondiy, the traditional developmental model is bureaucratic and top-down. The intention is to furnish companies with technology and not to let the potential use of new technology be integrated into a planned learning and developmental process.The key point in this paper is to advocate that policymakers and managers of technology transfer programmes redesign their programmes to incorporate the important and necessary learning and developmental processes. If this is taken seriousiy, it will be possible to take full advantage of technology transfer as an important element in technology policy.     

No Mangoes in the Tundra: Spatial Heterogeneity in Agricultural Productivity Analysis*

In line with the wider macro productivity literature existing studies of agricultural production largely neglect technology heterogeneity, variable time‐series properties and the potential for heterogeneous but correlated total factor productivity (TFP) across countries. Our empirical approach accommodates these difficulties and seeks to model the nature of the cross‐section dependence in a sample of 128 countries (1961–2002). Our results suggest that agro‐climatic environment drives similarity in TFP evolution across countries with heterogeneous production technology. This provides a possible explanation for the failure of technology transfer from advanced countries of the temperate ‘North’ to arid and/or equatorial developing countries of the ‘South’.     

Intermediation for technology diffusion and user innovation in a developing rural economy: a social learning perspective

Technology intermediaries are seen as potent vehicles for addressing perennial problems in transferring technology from university to industry in developed and developing countries. This paper examines what constitutes effective user-end intermediation in a low-technology, developing economy context, which is an under-researched topic. The social learning in technological innovation framework is extended using situated learning theory in a longitudinal instrumental case study of an exemplar technology intermediation programme. The paper documents the role that academic-related research and advisory centres can play as intermediaries in brokering, facilitating and configuring technology, against the backdrop of a group of small-scale pisciculture businesses in a rural area of Colombia. In doing so, it demonstrates how technology intermediation activities can be optimized in the domestication and innofusion of technology amongst end-users. The design components featured in this instrumental case of intermediation can inform policy making and practice relating to technology transfer from university to rural industry. Future research on this subject should consider the intermediation components put forward, as well as the impact of such interventions, in different countries and industrial sectors. Such research would allow for theoretical replication and help improve technology domestication and innofusion in different contexts, especially in less-developed countries.     

MNE competitiveness: A scenario-driven technology transfer construct

To compete effectively, multi-national enterprises (MNEs) must establish market presence in their global rivals' home courts and/or profit sanctuaries. Technology transfer is often used as a means toward that end. The technology adoption decisions of an aggressor MNE and a defender MNE are investigated in a model that features indirect moves and changes in strategy through technology transfer. Each firm may adopt a strategy that incorporates the transfer of high technology or appropriate technology. The strategic decision situation is modelled as a closed-loop sequential equilibrium in discrete time. In contrast to results in the technology adoption literature, the aggressor MNE may successfully transfer technology first, to be imitated later by the defender MNE. This and several other scenarios emerge from the model which, by incorporating the cost of social adjustment and risks involved in technology transfer, ties technology to the competitive interaction of MNEs and specifies conditions for creating competitive advantage through technology, both locally and worldwide.     

Transferring technology from university to rural industry within a developing economy context: The case for nurturing communities of practice

The primary aim of this paper is to demonstrate how technology transfer between universities and rural industries in developing countries can be achieved effectively, using independent research and advisory centres as intermediaries. It draws on a longitudinal action research study, which experiments with the process of nurturing and bridging communities of practice amongst recipients of technology and stakeholders concerned with technology diffusion, productivity and economic development. Its empirical evidence is from an academic-related, non-government intervention initiative targeting two small-scale industries, namely fish farming and coffee production, in the Cauca region of Colombia. Results demonstrate how barriers to transfer can be overcome. The intervention is considered as instrumental; its key components and outcomes are discussed in detail.     

Human resource issues and technology transfer

This paper examines the pivotal role of human resources in the successful acquisition, assimilation, diffusion and development of technology across international boundaries. A model of technology transfer which shows the interplay of factors that can affect the efficacy of technology transfer between entities across nations is presented. Other important considerations (on both the supplier and recipient sides) that can facilitate or impede the successful transfer of technology between entities or countries are also identified.     

技术差距、“干中学”的国别分离与发展中国家的技术进步

假定发展中国家同时进行自主创新和国外技术模仿,运用学习模型分析框架,探讨技术模仿、技术差距、自主创新对发展中国家技术进步的影响。理论分析表明,当发展中国家与发达国家的技术水平差距较大时,发展中国家主要采用技术模仿来缩小与发达国家间的差距。但随着技术差距不断缩小,发展中国家在技术引进的基础上,采用干中学向干中学加工的转换模式,形成自主创新体系。本文运用1990~2008年中美时间序列数据,实证检验了技术模仿、自主创新与技术进步间的关系。发现技术模仿和自主创新的加强是促进我国技术进步的重要变量,而技术差距对我国技术进步具有负面影响。     

New technology,human resources and competitiveness in developing countries: the role of technology transfer

Technology transfer is widely seen as an important means by which developing countries can both acquire the technologies and develop the human resources needed to compete internationally. However, there are different types of technology transfer which may stimulate or inhibit local human resource development. Foreign direct investment may inhibit local human resource development unless the foreign partner is committed to the indigenous enterprise becoming internationally competitive. Technology transfer through licensing and off-the shelf purchase allows greater indigenous management autonomy which, together with the more direct exposure to international competitive forces, may be more conducive to indigenous human resource development.     

中国企业技术创新若干问题的思考

本文从中国现阶段的经济现状出发,论证了企业技术创新无论对国家民族的兴旺发达,还是企业的生存和发展,都有着十分重要的意义.为了实现企业技术创新,文章提出当前企业最主要是实施“三个”转变:(1)企业要从以引进国外生产技术设备为主的形式,向以立足国内自主开发创新为主的形式转变.不断地创造出具有本企业特色的新的名牌产品.(2)要改革现行科技体制,建立健全企业自主开新机制.使企业真正成为技术开发、技术改造的主体,实现科技开发与经济发展密切结合起来,提高科研成果转变为现实生产力的概率.(3)企业当前不仅要在生产技术开发创新,而且也要在经营思想和经营方式上创新.要实施“顾客满意”工程战略(GS战略,Customer Satisfacion).推行品质功能展开技术(QFD,Quality Function Deployment),使企业更加明确市场需求与生产过程之间的相互关系,企业发展随着用户和消费者需求的不断发展而发展.     

The Role of Social Scientific Inquiry in Technology Transfer

Technology, the application of science to achieve practical results in the area of production (as economists use the term), can be understood only in a limited way from a strict disciplinary framework such as those prevailing in the social sciences. Perhaps the most restrictive is the limitation from the viewpoint of economics. The author (an economist) illustrates this contention with some interdisciplinary dimensions of technology encountered in developing countries, such as those pertaining to indigenous technological generation and technology transfer. A development framework incorporating such interdisciplinary dimensions, it is argued, is a prerequisite for formulating meaningful technology policies which help to promote an improved quality of life in developing countries.     

国际资本流动与国际贸易关系:“Mundell模型悖论”

文章通过建立“Mundell模型悖论”模型,解释发展中国家对发达国家的投资对国际贸易的影响。分析得出的结论是:(1)发展中国家对发达国家的投资是贸易导向的;(2)应该以获取发达国家的先进生产技术为投资目的;(3)发达国家和发展中国家均能增加消费,增加各自的福利。文章最后给出了政策建议。     

Which model of technology transfer for nanotechnology? A comparison with biotech and microelectronics

Nanotechnologies are often presented as breakthrough innovations, where technology transfer and knowledge-bridging will play a pivotal role in the industrial dynamics. This article investigates the model of knowledge transfer in the nanotechnologies in depth, by comparing it with the models of two recently emerged technologies: biotech and microelectronics. Our results show that the nanotechnology transfer model is very different from that involved in biotechnology evolution: while small–medium firms play a valuable technology-bringing role, the central function of “translating” new knowledge between public research and industry is carried by the larger firms, just as it was in the early stages of the microelectronics sector. These results suggest that specific policy initiatives to facilitate biotech's transfer are inappropriate to boost the diffusion of nanotechnology.     

Rotterdam model versus almost ideal demand system: will the best specification please stand up?

The Rotterdam model and the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) are often applied in consumer demand systems modeling. Using Monte Carlo techniques, we determine which model performs best in recovering the true elasticities of demand. The AIDS model is usually used in linearized form. Since the Rotterdam model is also linear in a very similar form, comparison of the Rotterdam model and the AIDS model has been the subject of much speculation in the literature. We not only compare the linearized AIDS model with the Rotterdam model, but also with the full nonlinear AIDS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A systems approach to the transfer of mutually dependent technologies

This paper presents a systems approach to the transfer of appropriate technology to less developed countries (LDCs). Technology transfer is essential for the economic and social development of these countries. However, due in part to a lack of systemic thinking, many LDCs have been unable to achieve successful transfers. In considering technologies as mutually dependent, we develop a framework that views technology transfer in a holistic perspective in order to model the allocation of LDCs' limited resources to their industrial sectors. The selection of appropriate partners for technology transfer is also discussed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This framework, we feel, can help decision makers in LDCs incorporate technology transfers into their national planning efforts.     

微动力除尘技术在炼铁厂皮带转运站的应用

随着企业的不断发展,柳钢集团很多生产设备都被进行改造扩容,但是供料皮带转运站除尘设备却没有得到改造。文章介绍了通过微动除尘技术在5#转运站的使用,完全解决了扬尘问题,改善了现场环境,并节约了电能和人力成本。     

Strategy for technology development in public R&D institutes by partnering with the industry

If industry and R&D institute partner in developing the technology, there is a greater possibility for developing a commercially potential technology. Through this process, they combine tangible and intangible resources and cooperate in R&D activities. It also develops a common understanding and mutual trust and smoothens the process of adaptation of the technological innovation into a marketable product/process. This work intends to highlight the partnership process and developed a model. A survey conducted with R&D Managers of prominent companies world over and the earlier research drawn from the literature was used in developing the model for the purpose. The work also analyses the existing research interaction between industries and Indian public R&D institutes, using multi case method.     

Basic Needs and Technology Transfer Issues in the 'New International Economic Order'

A bstract . Developing countries have called for the establishment of a new International Economic Order. New perceptions of development are examined as they relate to haste needs and the transfer of technology within such a framework. The approach seeks to reduce and eventually to eliminate dependence on developed country enterprises, thus allowing developing countries to control their natural resources. It seeks to accelerate self-reliance and to introduce some measure of global management of resources. Technology transferred must be appropriate technology, adapted to local conditions and aimed at meeting specific local needs.     

Import-led technological capability: a comparative analysis of Indian and Indonesian manufacturing firms

This research investigates the critical elements that affect the ability of firms in developing countries to cultivate their technological capability through imported technology. Based on resource-based theory, we propose both internal and external factors contribute to technological capability of the recipient firms. Technology planning and control, market orientation, training and number of technical manpower were the internal factors considered in this study. Government support and national technology infrastructure are the external factors proposed to affect the technological capability of firm. Data collected from Indian and Indonesian manufacturing firms reveals that R&D investment, and availability of technical personnel; the transfer channels; government’s involvement; and the firm’s learning culture are significant contributors to the technology capability process. Also, the acquisition of mature technology just to boost production capacity or improve product quality contributes very little to the development of technological capability.