Title: Linking megaprojects for local technological capability development in developing countries - a literature review

Authors: Ameha Mulugeta; Daniel Kitaw

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 14844, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ' School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 385, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract: Complex megaprojects, costing above $1 billion, gained significant research interest from their engineering, management, complexity, risks and other perspectives. For developing economies especially, they present significant learning opportunity to build technological capability with interaction of local firms with international contractors. Using scholarly articles review, the present paper reviewed past literature, enlightening gap observed and the linkage demanded between megaprojects and their potential for technological capability development. Results indicate that past researches have not given emphasis to investigate technological capability development through megaprojects executed in developing countries. After discussion on relevant subtopics, the gaps to be filled and link the two topics are elaborated individually. Conclusions drawn are directed towards new research paradigm that investigates opportunities that have priceless contribution for developing economies.

Keywords: technological capability development; megaprojects; technological learning; interactive learning; developing countries; literature review; local firms; technology development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2016.081707

International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development, 2016 Vol.8 No.4, pp.375 - 398

Received: 12 Feb 2016
Accepted: 06 Mar 2016
Published online: 22 Jan 2017 *

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