A normative model for the planning and implementation of international technology transfer

Summary form only given. In today´s environment of globalization, liberalization, and rapidly changing technology, firms in most fields have to maintain a strong technological position vis-a-vis their current and potential competitors. In this context, international technology transfer (ITT), as an important mode for acquiring technology, has assumed considerable significance. ITT is a process by which technology is transferred across national boundaries from one organization to another. The technology owning entity is known as the transferer and the receiving entity the transferee. There are numerous factors that collectively determine the effectiveness of ITT. While some factors, such as government policies are likely to be beyond the control of the technology transfer partners, others can be managed to ensure successful transfer. This paper is an attempt to propose a systematic and normative approach that transferee managers can use to plan and implement ITT. The proposed normative model for ITT suggests that the entire ITT process be planned and managed in six stages, namely: the needs identification stage; the organizational commitment development stage; the supplier identification stage; the technology specification and offer evaluation stage; the negotiation stage; and the implementation stage