Title: Human impediments to technology transfer

Authors: Anil Mital, Anoop Desai, Anand Subramanian, Anubhav Mital

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0116, USA. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0116, USA. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0116, USA. ' Cincinnati Country Day School, 6905 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243, USA

Abstract: The transfer of technology is a multifaceted and complex issue. The adoption of advanced technologies is essential from the perspective of the strength of national economies and enhancing international competitiveness. Transfer of technology can be realised by transferring knowledge and through its commercialisation. Numerous impediments hinder the successful and effective transfer of technology. The most crucial role is played by human related impediments. Given the equality of other factors such as technological availability, capital, availability of resources etc., the adaptability of human resources may in most cases be the deciding factor so far as successful adoption of advanced technologies is concerned. In the first part, this paper examines the general obstacles faced by importers and exporters of technology. The role played by training in overcoming the human aspect of technology transfer has been emphasised in the second part.

Keywords: human factors; impediments; barriers; technology transfer; training; advanced technologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2004.005609

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2004 Vol.3 No.4, pp.369 - 383

Published online: 30 Oct 2004 *

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