This book examines the international technology transfer process and the role of both multinationals and host-country governments in that process, with emphasis on the experience of the more developed countries. It explores a range of issues and presents much original thinking and research findings. It discusses in particular the strategies of the multinationals, assessing how far they are willing to accept technology transfer to external partners (as opposed to subsidiaries which they can control). It also examines how far technical transfers are successful from the viewpoint of the firm and countries involved, arguing that governments are most likely to succeed in attracting multinational transfers if they are aware of and accommodate to some degree multinationals’ preferences.

This book, based on extensive, original, detailed research presents a comprehensive overview of the Italian multinationals and their activities during the 1990s. It: surveys the size, geographical and sectoral distribution of Italian multinationals examines why they went international, how and what they gained discusses the strategic position of Italian multinationals in the world economy examines the effect of multinationals investment both inward and outward on the Italian economy provides detail on individual companies

The book is the culmination of a research effort which spanned all continents and involved a large number of research teams from both the industrialised and developing countries. The book addresses a number of key issues related to technology transfer by small and medium-sized enterprises most especially whether such companies are more effective transferors than larger transnational corporations. A key aspect of the research was the fact that firms in source and host countries were matched to assure a degree of consistency in the firm coverage and their responses.

The objective of this book is to present the problems and possibilities of transferring technology from the developed countries to the developing countries. It presents the conceptual issues, legal ramifications, empirical testing of mathematical models and case studies of different industries.