Is modern Western technology available to developing countries? Determinants in Western companies' decisions on technology transfer

Abstract

The aim of this article is to throw some light on the regional factors in developing countries which influence their attractiveness on foreign technology transfer projects. Development researchers seem to agree that these countries also need modern technology. In the article some arguments for this view arc given before the focus is turned towards modes of technology transfer and a discussion on why, and under which conditions, Western companies want to sell their technology. The importance of regional qualities, like production factor prices, markets, infrastructure, stability and culture, are then discussed in more depth. The article ends with some reflections on relations between negotiating position and level of technology transfer.