Modeling the international technology transfer process in construction projects: evidence from Thailand

Technology transfer in the construction industry

The demand for affordable, high-quality homes and premises has increased as society has evolved. Construction companies have shown that an industrialised housebuilding (IHB) platform strategy is an effective way of meeting exacting customer requirements. We decided to apply a managerial perspective and consider the IHB platform as a technological solution when investigating technology transfer (TT) in a construction context. Drawing on a meta-analysis of the literature and a qualitative case study at an IHB company, this work examines how two construction companies participate in TT. The results show that the IHB platform strategy can help a company overcome uncertainties associated with the TT process. Furthermore, the platform strategy supports the transferability of IHB to different markets, which, in turn, provides unique opportunities for companies from other contexts to enter the construction market. Our findings also revealed that CEOs from three construction companies were not only interested in TT due to potential profit improvements, but also considered how the process could benefit their employees and the community. This may be a result that is specific to Nordic culture or insight into a unique characteristic of the broad construction industry. This study contributes knowledge to the scarce research field of TT in a construction context. It provides evidence for how further cases of TT may disrupt the construction industry in terms of new business models or companies from the diverse field entering the market.

Optimization of the Technology Transfer Process Using Gantt Charts and Critical Path Analysis Flow Diagrams: Case Study of the Korean Automobile Industry

This research is focused on the technology transfer process in the automobile industry using project management tools. The aim of this research is the development of a technology-transfer model using Gantt charts and Critical Path Analysis flow diagrams to achieve a sustainable planning process in the global environment. To achieve this goal, the authors use Gantt charts and Critical Path Analysis flow diagrams. The hypothesis and three research questions are presented, which suggest a relationship between project management tools and the sustainable planning process of technology transfer. During the research, we use the case study of the Korean automobile industry as an excellent example of the technology-transfer process in global markets. A single project of technology transfer is discussed: the technology knowledge transfer from Korean headquarters to a Russian manufacturing subsidiary (Hyundai Motor Corporation). Quantitative data were collected through the open resources of the corporation; the qualitative data were analyzed through a case study and model parameter evaluation. The significant result that the combination of Gantt Charts and Critical Path Analysis flow diagrams methods improves the planning process for technology-transfer projects was found in this survey. It is noticed that (a) it is useful to apply project-management tools for technology transferring models; (b) Gantt Charts and Critical Path Analysis flow diagrams have a sustainable impact on technology transfer projects; and (c) critical paths and operational reserves in network diagrams help to optimize the planning process for technology transfer.

Models, Processes, and Roles of Universities in Technology Transfer Management: A Systematic Review

Universities play pivotal roles when research findings are to be adopted commercially. Although these roles vary from one country to another, effective patenting and licensing procedures, as well as eventual commercialisation of scholarly inventions, reflect hard work on the part of the University mediating between the researcher and the industry through technology transfer offices (TTOs) in order to ensure that knowledge-developers take motivational and monetary credit for their findings. This paper details some existing models, processes, and roles taken up in some countries where sharing of intellectual property exists, and links it up with aspects of university–industry technology transfer, such as policies surrounding patenting, government investment and marketing, and the process of academic entrepreneurship, among others. 22 articles were found via a systematic review of literature and analysed with respect to four identified areas of focus: internal strategy, investment and market, academic entrepreneurship and policy. Based on models, processes, and roles in reviewed studies, our results indicate that new models for technology transfer mainly stem from the fact that there is no universally accepted model in the literature. Furthermore, management of technology transfer is mostly the responsibility of TTOs in most countries. While university TTOs act as intermediaries to protect the interest of the author/inventor, issues such as poor relationships between universities and industry, as well as funding, remain major challenges in many emerging economies. In contrast, researchers in western economies are mainly challenged by financial motivation and recognition within the academic domains.

Identification of Critical Factors Contributing to International Technological Collaborations: The Case of Pharmaceutical Industry

International technology-based collaborations require that industry managers adequately deal with multiple factors. This is particularly the case in the pharmaceutical industry where strict standards, advanced technologies, and complex managerial aspects exist. This paper studies the critical factors affecting international technology transfer (TT) projects in the Iranian pharmaceutical industry. To this end, it adopted a qualitative method to investigate participants’ experiences and their viewpoints regarding the factors contributing to TT success. The main finding of the research revealed that, among others, supportive governmental policies and large market size were the main environmental factors which facilitate TT processes. Findings also showed that there are some imperative issues such as regulatory frameworks, lack of intellectual property regimes, and political factors which have to be taken into account in the process of TT.

Policy implications for the improvement of technology transfer and commercialization process in the Indian context

Purpose

Scientific innovation has resulted in the development of newer technologies for the betterment of humankind. Academic and research organizations are the places where these technologies are actually ideated and/or invented. However, the process of technology transfer and its eventual successful commercialization covers many other facets, in addition to the scientific research alone. This study aims to draw attention towards certain policy gaps and thereby suggest plausible solutions for the improvement of technology transfer process in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, the authors present an extensive Web survey of technologies available for transfer/commercialization in 12 major Indian research organizations, namely, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Space Research Organisation, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Kanpur.

Findings

A total of 2,921 technologies were found to be available with respect to the above-mentioned organizations, with the highest of these in agricultural sciences and the maximum reported by ICAR.

Research limitations/implications

Certain significant policy interventions of this study include the need of a central framework for deposition, management and dissemination of institutionally developed technologies. More attention and support is required for the technologically less developed research areas, and there is a need for the promotion of funding mechanisms for the prototype development, in addition to the already available funding schemes for other stages of technology commercialization.

Practical implications

Hence, the successful commercialization of the innovation from the Indian research labs requires the restructuring of the existing policies to eventually facilitate the economic growth of the nation.

Originality/value

This study discusses the major policy gaps of the Indian technology transfer process. For this, an extensive Web survey was carried out to enlist the various technologies available for transfer and commercialization in India from 12 major research organizations. The study presents the results and some major policy implications of the technology transfer and commercialization process in the Indian context.