8.4.2 Policies and Programmes for Technology Transfer within Countries
Important policies for transport technology transfers within a country are
promotional policies for the development and strengthening of small and medium-scale
sub-contracting companies. Also, major firms should be encouraged to enter into
technology agreements with local sub-contracting companies. These policies could
include incentives, loans and grants (UNCTAD, 1998). Providing grants or other
incentives for institutional building and strengthening could assist small and
medium-scale businesses to achieve the necessary capacities required by major
firms. Promoting specialised training programmes to suit required skills would
help to enhance local capacities. Creation of and support for a locally organised
information network using professional societies will assist to improve the
knowledge of local companies on the necessary local capabilities available.
Demonstration of technical options along with a reward system as incentive can
boost technology flows between countries. Encouraging indigenous R&D and
continuing education programmes, and supporting the necessary linkage with local
educational institutions will create the opportunity for the development of
new skills and innovation. Setting up of stringent standards with the complimentary
compliance mechanisms can assist to transfer technology within a country (Pacudan,
1999). Furthermore, standards set up by a region in a country can influence
activities in other regions and such standards get replicated. Standards, such
as those for emissions, can stimulate technology change in the process of compliance.
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