Title: Technology geography: studying the relationships between technology, location and productivity

Authors: Harm-Jan Steenhuis, Erik J. De Bruijn

Addresses: Eastern Washington University, College of Business and Public Administration, Department of Management, 668 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Suite A, Spokane, WA 99202-1660, USA. ' University of Twente, School of Business, Public Administration and Technology, Technology and Development Group, PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands

Abstract: Operations management, international management, public policy and economic geography are scientific areas which come together in the study of international technology transfer. This study shows how each of these areas has its own central issues but also has specific parts that are relevant for research on international technology transfer. It is essential for companies to understand the issues of productivity of production technologies employed by them, and for international companies the relationship of productivity of a specific production line and the environment in which this line operates. Simultaneously, it is essential for governments to understand the productivity of their work force and, therefore, to understand the relationship of their country|s characteristics and the productivity of specific industries. A recommendation is made to add a new focus to the research on international technology transfer called: Technology Geography. Its primary purpose is to investigate the linkages between technology, location and productivity differences.

Keywords: international technology transfer; technology management; operations management; international management; public policy; economic geography; productivity; location.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2006.010749

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2006 Vol.5 No.3, pp.195 - 207

Published online: 29 Aug 2006 *

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