TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER - MODELS AND MECHANISMS

Throughout human history, Technology has had a profound effect on human development and human lives today. Technology changes lives of people whether they are prepared for it or not. It has brought so much change and the change comes so fast and furiously that many times people lose their ability to cope with it successfully and comfortably. In this scenario, more ideas are being generated in this shrunken world and residence time for technology is shortening considerably. Business leaders are always on the watch out for the technology developments taking place around the world. New developments must be adopted and new ideas explored or otherwise the business units would perish at the earliest. In simple terms, Technology is the way we do things and it is the means by which we accomplish objectives. When we say “Technology”, it is an embodiment of a number of hard and soft elements. This paper covers starting from concept of technology life cycle, stages of technology processes, channels of technology flow and its classifications, Indian Government Research Institutions and its commercial applications, international technology issues and its way ahead. It is pertinent to note that various technology transfer models and mechanisms globally available have been incorporated in this paper. It is suggested in this paper that transfer of technology is not a onetime activity; it is a continuous process with follow up activities, therefore the receiving entity should nurture the process and requires a program of training, reinforcement and R&D to keep the technology alive and make it grow in its new grounds. Unsupported technology can fade into obsolescence quickly.