Targeting 'technology exchange' for faster organizational and industry development

Abstract

Effective transfers of core knowledge and essential skills from one region/country/organization to another are often advocated to accelerate long-term development. However, the successful transfers of technologies in general and construction technology in particular have often been restricted by various barriers. A common problem is that the 'transferor' will not devote special resources to effecting sustainable (rather than superficial) 'transfers' if only the 'transferee' is perceived to benefit from such Technology Transfers. However, a broader conceptualization of technology incorporates multiple dimensions/components of 'knowledge' and skills, including 'cultural', linguistic, logistic and 'networking' capacities. This broadened concept could convince both parties of mutual benefits to be derived through an 'exchange' of strengths in different components of such technologies. The paper is based on a survey of international literature on these issues, structured interviews and responses to a questionnaire issued to a cross-section of practitioners in Hong Kong. The foregoing paradox of Technology Transfers and the proposed paradigm of 'technology exchange' are discussed in terms of the construction industry. Construction Joint Ventures that have proliferated in many countries including Hong Kong are seen to be a suitable vehicle for facilitating such technology exchange. Appropriate policies and incentives at macro-(governmental), meso-(organizational) and micro- (project) levels are needed to empower and propel this process as part of an integrated strategy for the long-term development of construction organizations and industries.