16.3 Interaction of the Local and Global Environment for Technology
The relationships between the specific technology and the local, national,
and international contexts all strongly affect the outcome of an attempt to
transfer a technology. For example, the local context in which the renewable
energy technology is implemented is characterised by climate, topography, local
actors, financial and technical institutions, educational resources, and especially
by the technology itself. International actors, institutions, and economic and
political pressures also play an important role. Within these contexts there
are often a number of actors at every level, including the end users, businesses,
NGOs, local, state and national governments, and national and multinational
development agencies. It is useful to examine the implementation processes as
the interaction between two systems: the local environment for the technical
and financial operation of the technology or management system and the broader
political system in which the technology is implemented. Because both systems
are unique, there is no single "best outcome" or path, and the process
for achieving success must be locally defined. Additionally, both systems are
dynamic, so even in a given context the definition of a "best outcome"
is liable to change in time.
While there are few hard rules, some patterns do exist. Changes in certain
variables - namely those affecting the relationship between local implementation
process and the wider political system - generally produce certain results that
are fairly predictable and can be described analytically. For example, a subsidy
affects the marketability of a product, often in predictable ways. As a second
example, government involvement in programme motivation, popularisation, or
in standard setting can significantly accelerate and improve the technology
transfer process. However, governmental involvement in detailed technology design
or implementation can often lead to inefficient and rigid programmes that do
not encourage innovation and entrepreneurial activity.
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