International Technology Transfer (ITT) Projects and Development of Technological Capabilities in Malaysian Construction Industry: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The International Technology Transfer (ITT) projects has emerged as an important business and managerial concern to many developing countries across the globe as well as Malaysia.  ITT projects according to many researchers involve the cross-boarder transfer of technology with the main purpose to enhance the local technology capabalities in response to a changing economic environment. These technology  transfer projects could be viewed in the form of knowledge (soft technology), skill, and tools (hard technology) which usually congregate from advanced countries to the developing countries through construction project development. Numerous modes (known as channels) of ITT could occur from the public and private firms of advanced countries to private and public sector locally.  Some of the channels are considered effective while others are regarded as less effective. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are three folds; to investigate the major channels of international technology transfer (ITT) projects in Malaysia and how these channels and technology capabilities are diffused within the Malaysian construction industry. Finally, a conceptual framework is proposed for a successful ITT and development of technological capabilities for the Malaysian construction industry.