Technology geography: studying the relationships between technology, location and productivity

Abstract

Operations management, international management, public policy and economic geography are scientific areas which come together in the study of international technology transfer. This study shows how each of these areas has its own central issues but also has specific parts that are relevant for research on international technology transfer. It is essential for companies to understand the issues of productivity of production technologies employed by them, and for international companies the relationship of productivity of a specific production line and the environment in which this line operates. Simultaneously, it is essential for governments to understand the productivity of their work force and, therefore, to understand the relationship of their country's characteristics and the productivity of specific industries. A recommendation is made to add a new focus to the research on international technology transfer called: Technology Geography. Its primary purpose is to investigate the linkages between technology, location and productivity differences.