| In order to properly plan and manage the technology transfer process, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the types of activities occurring during the process and the related characteristics. This should permit the establishment of more efficient time and cost management for the technology transfer.; This exploratory study expands on the existing literature, and in particular Trott's research, with an in-depth investigation of the technology transfer processes. A conceptual model of the technology transfer process was built from a literature review and tested by surveying the technology transfer processes used by nine Korean small and medium-sized machinery firms adopting technology from public research institutes.; A model of external technology transfer process was verified and presented. Korean firms followed five distinctive stages: Awareness, Evaluation, Contract, Formal Transfer, and Application. These stages were similar to those of Trott's study with the exception of one additional stage, contract. This distinctive stage was necessary for negotiation, deciding terms and conditions, and securing a contract. The role of the source changed from technology teacher to co-developer to examiner. The user's role changed from selector to learner to applier. Learning occurred most during the Evaluation, Formal Transfer, and Application stages; while knowledge creating occurred most during the Evaluation and Application stages. The time required was twice the estimated time for transfer. The most time was spent on Evaluation and Application. The user firms identified the technology transfer as being successful if a satisfactory prototype was developed and enough technological knowledge was obtained. Firms felt that the user's persistence and prior knowledge were the most important factors for a successful technology transfer. |
