Enabling transfer of intermediate technologies in a rural Colombia: Altpez case

Abstract

The present paper explores technology transfer of pisciculture (fish farming) intermediate techn ologies in rural recipients in developing economies and assesses enablers of the technology transfer identified in the literature. Using a qualitative research approach, technology transfer processes are analyzed in the context of a new product development project that involves small-scale rural enterprises, universities, non -governmental organizations and governmental organizations in the Cauca region of Colombia. The paper builds on prior literature pertaining enablers for the technology transfer, specifically the paper studies the importance of technology transfer enablers such as i) Absorptive capacity, ii) Understanding of the technology source and market maturity, iii) Cultural and geographic distance between transferor and recipient, iv) Recipient’s comprehension of the financial implications of the technology transfer, v) Intermediaries connecting transferor and recipient, vi) Institutional network adapting the technology to the local needs and vii) Prior experience in technology transfer projects. The main findings are the aspects of analysis to describe enablers for technology transfer processes and the relationship between enablers in the testing of enablers in a case study in the pisciculture sector of a rural context of developing economies.