Knowledge transfer models and poverty alleviation in developing countries: critical approaches and foresight

Abstract

Many government of developing countries show their commitment of reducing extreme poverty. A dominant thought considers that economic growth should be based on capital accumulation, productivity improvement, and access to international markets. This article tracts the system of assumptions that developing countries should meet to ensure that transfer models from developed countries could be efficient. We suggest a rebuilding of the transfer model by identifying some “structuring” conditions of developing countries, in particular by empowering universities to take a central role in the regional development process. From a poverty reduction perspective, the focus should be on the sustainability of local socio-technical systems, even if the options chosen are less efficient in the short term.