Technology transfer on joint venture projects in developing countries

Carrillo, P (1996) Technology transfer on joint venture projects in developing countries. Construction Management and Economics, 14(1), pp. 45-54. ISSN 01446193

Abstract

International joint ventures between contractors in developed and developing countries are recognized as a potential means of enhancing the construction expertise of nationals of developing countries, and offer many advantages and disadvantages to its partners. This paper reports on the technology transfer experiences of eight top UK contractors in joint ventures with contractors from developing countries. Twelve joint ventures, categorized into geographical regions, are used as case studies. The rationale for regional and inter-regional variations are analysed and discussed. The issues addressed are the need for technology transfer and the mechanisms used to transfer technology on these joint ventures. The difficulties experienced in transferring technology are discussed, with suggestions to minimize these difficulties with the aim of improving the technology transfer process on future projects. The conclusions show UK contractors are eager to demonstrate that they transfer technology but it only works to a limited extent because there is little incentive for them to do so.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: contractors; developing countries; joint ventures; technology transfer
Index terms: case study, developing country, joint venture, variation, technology transfer
Subjects: development economics, data collection methods, knowledge management, contractual condition, business
Topics: Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, International Construction, Contract Administration
Descriptive scope: 3 PCE

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here