Title: Innovation versus the transfer of technology: a case study of R&D in a petroleum-producing country

Authors: Saed E. Akashah

Addresses: Division Director, Petroleum, Petrochemicals and Materials Division, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885 Safat, 13109-Safat, Kuwait

Abstract: This paper attempts to draw a distinction between |innovation| and |transfer of technology| as practised in developing countries. In the process, a mode of operation for R&D institutions in developing countries is outlined that considers their inherently different role from those in developed societies. Emphasis should be placed on innovation based an establishing R&D in an environment in which science is required to affect development. Several hypotheses have had the effect of retarding the process of innovation in developing societies, and the fallacies within them arc discussed. An R&D unit within an institution in a developing country is used to illustrate the advances that can be made when management liberates itself from prevailing attitudes on |innovation| and |transfer of technology|.

Keywords: innovation; research and development; technology transfer; R&D; Kuwait; developing countries; petroleum producing countries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1987.026166

International Journal of Technology Management, 1987 Vol.2 No.2, pp.249 - 262

Published online: 27 May 2009 *

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