In today’s business setting, interest in the profitable exploitation of a firm’s technological assets, through technology transfer, has intensified. Factors that have facilitated international technology transfer include globalisation of business, liberalisation of the economic regimes of many countries, and the impetus given to the protection of intellectual property after the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO). These factors have collectively resulted in commercial transfer of technology becoming an important element of the international business setting. Experience over the decades has shown that the technology transfer process can be problematic and transferees often lack the skills to manage it effectively. While the literature is rich in terms of the coverage of the areas of concern it is sparse when it comes to possible approaches that can be taken to remedy these problems. A good understanding of these various approaches can be of value especially to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that often face difficulties when planning and implementing technology transfer projects.

This guidebook entitled, “Guidebook on Technology Transfer Mechanisms” is aimed at developing a compilation of researched papers that have practical applications and could provide managers of SMEs guidance on how to plan and implement technology transfer projects in today’s global business setting. As a first step this guidebook brings together four papers on the following important themes:

It is envisaged that as further research is carried out at APCTT dealing with contemporary issues on technology transfer, the findings will be published as papers that will then be added on to this Guidebook.

K. Ramanathan
Head, APCTT-ESCAP