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Abstract

International Technology Transfer (the transfer of technology across national borders) is extensively believed to be necessary for the industrialisation of any country. The experiences of some successful countries in rapid economic and industrial development show that the acquisition of a significant amount of foreign technology has played a crucial role in promoting their managerial and technical expertise as well as increasing their productivity level In particular, the experiences of some successful East Asian Newly Industrialised Countries (NICs) during the past three decades indicate that they could achieve rapid industrialisation and technological development through the adoption of a set of appropriate policies and strategies. The experiences of these countries can have valuable lessons and policy implications for other countries which wish to follow the same path of rapid industrialisation and technological development.

Although many Less Developed Countries (LDCs) have realised the great importance of technological transformation for their rapid economic and industrial development, they have not designed effective and efficient policies and strategies for the transfer of appropriate and high-level technologies. Therefore, it seems necessary for decision makers in these countries to formulate appropriate policies for effective and successful transfer of technology as well as rapid industrialisation. Iran, as a developing country with large natural and human resources has also attempted to adopt the best approach of technology transfer to improve and promote its technological capability and achieve rapid industrialisation. However, like many other countries, the industrial base of Iran can be characterised as being heavily dependent on importing their required parts and components for manufacturing outputs, which in tum is due to the assembly nature of many of its industries. In other words, Iran as wen as many other developing countries has been faced with heavy technological dependency.

The main purpose of this study is to identify and examine the critical success factors for the effective technology transfer and rapid industrialisation of the LDCs in general and Iran in Particular. Firstly, some of the most important and relevant theoretical frameworks as well as conceptual issues of technology transfer and industrialisation of LDCs are analysed. The empirical and practical experiences of some selected countries in particular East Asian first and second tier Newly Industrialised Countries (NICs) as well as Mexico and Turkey are also studied. The critical success factors of these countries in rapid industrialisation and technological development are identified. Moreover, the past and present industrialisation policies as well as technology transfer status of Iran is investigated in detail to identify and determine the most important strengths and weaknesses which are needed for designing its future plan. Finally, a framework of an appropriate policy and strategy for international technology transfer to LDCs in general and Iran in particular is proposed. Some overall recollections and suggestions derived from the research findings and results for the effective and succesful technology transfer and industrialisation of LDCs in general and Iran in particular is also included.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General)
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Computer Science

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