Title: Components of technology transfer: a comparative analysis of offset and non-offset companies in Saudi Arabia

Authors: Mohamed A. Ramady

Addresses: Finance and Economics Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, P.O. Box 5075, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Saudi Arabia was the first country of the Gulf Cooperation Council to implement an offset related investment programme with foreign contractors to help build its technological and human capital through technology transfer. The paper examines the various offset programmes undertaken and compares these with private sector non-offset joint venture investments to assess the effectiveness of technology transfer in both sectors using a model of technology transfer ||packaging comprehensiveness||. The results indicate a greater degree of technology transfer for the offset related programmes but the current Saudi educational structure needs to be directed towards science based subjects in order for such technology transfers to become self sustaining and high value job generating in the future.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; offset companies; technology transfer; foreign investment; human capital; employment generation; offset investment; joint ventures; science education; foreign direct investment; FDI.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2005.006729

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2005 Vol.2 No.1, pp.72 - 91

Published online: 04 Apr 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article