The Role of Developing States and LDCs in the Quest for Technology Transfer: Recommendations

Abstract This chapter highlights the role that African states can play in attracting or absorbing technology and defines the mechanisms and incentives that must be put in place to that end. The chapter also emphasizes the need to develop absorptive capacities in the recipient countries. Hence, the chapter recommends that a special focus be placed on the use of utility models to facilitate technological learning, and to improve absorptive capacities and adaptation of imported technologies to address local needs and foster local innovation. In so doing, the chapter draws lessons from the successful experiences of East Asian states that have managed to overcome the technology-averse culture and that have enabled technology transfer and local innovation to thrive in their respective jurisdictions. The chapter also dedicates special attention to the need to leverage the opportunities offered by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to enable the continent to catch up on technological progress.