The process of intrafirm technology transfer : a case study of a marine mining company

Abstract

Technology transfer is an important function in the technology development cycle, and organisations can benefit extensively if a competent technology strategy is developed and implemented. The objective of this paper is to examine the approaches, processes, mechanism, barriers, and other aspects of intra-firm technology between two subsidiaries of a marine mining company. Subsidiary A of the marine mining company is primarily reliant on research and development as a key driver of technology development and continuous business improvement; an optimal technology transfer process is thus crucial. Using a case study methodology, the analysis sheds light on the current process to transfer technology, and major barriers to and elements of success.Tegnologie-oordrag is ’n belangrike funksie in die tegnologie-ontwikkeling siklus, en organisasies kan op groot skaal baat vind indien ’n bevoegde tegnologie strategie ontwikkel en geïmplementeer word. Die doel van hierdie artikel is om die benaderings, prosesse, meganisme, hindernisse en ander aspekte van intra-firma tegnologie te ondersoek tussen twee filiale. Filiaal A is hoofsaaklik afhanklik van navorsing en ontwikkeling as ’n belangrike drywer van tegnologie-ontwikkeling en deurlopende besigheid verbetering; ’n optimale oordrag van tegnologie proses is dus van kardinale belang. Met behulp van 'n gevallestudie-metodologie, werp die analise lig op die huidige proses om tegnologie oor te dra, en belangrike struikelblokke en elemente van sukses.