Aiding the technology manager: a conceptual model for intra-firm technology transfer

As many industrial companies are faced with competition characterised by product and market uncertainties, globalisation and rising R&D costs, the management of their intra-firm technology transfer activities is increasing in strategic importance, These activities are amongst the most problematic arrangements that exist in firms. Hence technology managers need to absorb, create, adapt, and transfer technological knowledge to various parts of the MNC under these conditions. A conceptual model for intra-firm technology transfer is presented, based on empirical research under-taken with a leading UK cable producing MNC (BICC Cables Ltd) and based on a review of some key literature in this area. Major factors that can either 'help' or 'inhibit' this type of transfer process are presented. The model acts as a 'toolkit' aiding management by drawing out implications such as the development of trust and shared understanding, and the setting up of integrated project teams who are sensitive to transmitter and receiver organisation capabilities within the MNC. The findings present two case studies highlighting the transfer of IT-based bespoke technologies that involve the R&D. manufacturing and marketing functions. This paper confirms that intra-firm technology transfer is an interactive process involving actors who possess different levels of competencies accumulated over time and that this process should command higher strategic significance in firms. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.