Utterback, James M. (author / Center for Policy Alternatives, Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Center for Policy Alternatives, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1975-09
Published:
UK
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 37 Document Number: B04067
Explores the role of applied research institutes in the transfer of technology to developing countries. Several hypotheses about technological change in developed economies are extended to this context. Investigates 20 projects from four institutes in order to generalize the hypotheses. The conclusions are that projects, where significant resources are devoted to defining issues and market needs, providing for interpersonal contact and communication, and developing personnel through work in firms or applied laboratories in other countries, were most likely to produce useful results. Suggests that increased focus on these issues could have high leverage in expanding the importance of research institutes' activities both in generating and adapting technology and in transferring technology successfully.