Title: International technology transfer and collaborative new product development: evidence and a case from the machine tool industry

Authors: David Bennett, Kirit Vaidya, Zhao Hongyu, Steve Brittan

Addresses: Aston Business School, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK. Aston Business School, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK. Euro-group International Inc., Beijing 100005, China. BSA Tools Ltd, Kitts Green, Birmingham, B33 0LE, UK

Abstract: In recent years, it has become increasingly common for companies to improve their competitiveness and find new markets by extending their operations through international new product development collaborations involving technology transfer. Technology development, cost reduction and market penetration are seen as the foci in such collaborative operations with the aim being to improve the competitive position of both partners. In this paper, the case of technology transfer through collaborative new product development in the machine tool sector is used to provide a typical example of such partnerships. The paper outlines the links between the operational aspects of collaborations and their strategic objectives. It is based on empirical data collected from the machine tool industries in the UK and China. The evidence includes longitudinal case studies and questionnaire surveys of machine tool manufacturers in both countries. The specific case of BSA Tools Ltd and its Chinese partner the Changcheng Machine Tool Works is used to provide an in-depth example of the operational development of a successful collaboration. The paper concludes that a phased coordination of commercial, technical and strategic interactions between the two partners is essential for such collaborations to work.

Keywords: international technology transfer; machine tools; China; product development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2002.001779

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2002 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.106-121

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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