Defining the Concepts of Technology and Technology Transfer: A Literature Analysis (original) (raw)

2011, International Business Research

The primary objective of this paper is to contribute to the existing literature by comprehensively reviewing the development, definitions and concepts of technology and technology transfer based on a literature review conducted on these wide research areas. This review covers various definitions and dimensions of both technology and technology transfer from the early technology concept i.e. from the development of Solow's (1957) growth model up to definition and concept of technology and technology transfer. While the term 'technology' itself is difficult to interpret, observe or evaluate, as argued by many scholars, this review attempts to provide in-depth discussion and enhance understanding on these concepts from various perspectives, research background and disciplines. This review could shed some dynamic ideas for future researchers to further identify, conceptualize and understand the underlying theories and perspectives which strongly influence the previous, current and future concept of technology transfer. 62 Thus, the term technology has been given various definitions by previous literatures. According to technology consists of two primary components: 1) a physical component which comprises of items such as products, tooling, equipments, blueprints, techniques, and processes; and 2) the informational component which consists of know-how in management, marketing, production, quality control, reliability, skilled labor and functional areas. The earlier definition by Sahal (1981) views technology as 'configuration', observing that the transfer object (the technology) relies on a subjectively determined but specifiable set of processes and products. The current studies on the technology transfer have connected technology directly with knowledge and more attention is given to the process of research and development . By scrutinizing the technology definition, there are two basic components that can be identified: 1) 'knowledge' or technique; and 2) 'doing things'. Technology is always connected with obtaining certain result, resolving certain problems, completing certain tasks using particular skills, employing knowledge and exploiting assets (Lan and Young, 1996). The concept of technology does not only relate to the technology that embodies in the product but it is also associated with the knowledge or information of it use, application and the process in developing the product