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15.5 Transfer of Coastal-Adaptation Technologies within Countries
The predominant nature and goal of coastal adaptation require a form of in-country
technology transfer that differs from current explanations of transfer and the
conditions under which it takes place (cf. BCSD, 1992). Common definitions of
technology transfer describe the process as a company-to-company transaction,
but coastal-adaptation technologies-with few exceptions-are not developed and
owned by business and industry. Economic considerations are a major force in
driving technology transfer for coastal adaptation, but objectives are less
focused on commercial terms. Rather, considerations of public well being are
essential, such as the reduction of loss of property and lives and the protection
of essential coastal habitats. Additionally, many coastal-technology transactions
involve the exchange of information, knowledge and even wisdom. Knowledge transactions
have characteristics that make them quite different from trade transactions
(STAN, 1998). Incentives, pathways, the role of stakeholders and barriers reflect
these distinctions.
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