Technology transfer or the clash of two cultures

The author argues that it is indispensable, in order to avoid serious problems, to take into account from the beginning of the design of any technological complex system (e.g., a nuclear power plant) cultural differences which could exist between the country issuing the technology (sending community) and the country in charge of operating it during several decades (receiving community). Experience shows that any technology transfer must be considered as a clash of two more or less remote and compatible cultures. Failure to take this phenomenon into account may jeopardize the future of the project.<>