Effective Technology Transfer Research Articles

Analysis of strategic programs in planning and developing cocoa agribusiness in Bantaeng Regency

The fluctuation of production levels, low innovation adoption rates, and low cocoa prices at the farm level are important problems in cocoa agribusiness that cannot be allowed to prolong, especially in production centers such as Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The purpose of this research is to provides strategic program recommendations as a reference for policymakers in designing cocoa agribusiness planning and development. This research used Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) analysis to be able to formulate a complex policy structure based on elements and formulate a hierarchy of relationships between elements. The results show that there are five key programs in planning and developing cocoa agribusiness in Bantaeng Regency, namely effectiveness of extension in the field, capacity building of extension workers, the establishment of farming partnerships with companies, the establishment of specialized cocoa development team, and guarantee of price stability. These key programs need to be assisted by supporting programs such as institutional development programs, effective coordination between institutions, effective technology transfer to farmers, provision of organic technology, providing rewards for farmers, providing access to capital, strengthening digital marketing, and improving cocoa quality through fermentation. Based on the interpretation of this research, stakeholders need to have an understanding of the priorities and synergy between programs to ensure the development of cocoa agribusiness that is right on target and in accordance with the needs and conditions currently faced.

Identification of potential districts for technology transfer in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

India is the largest producer of sesame in the world with an area of 16.22 lakh ha and production of 6.57 lakh t and contributing to 10.5% and 11.1% ofthe Worlds' area and production, respectively. The AICRP-sesame centreshave developed location-specific improved technologies, which can enhance sesame productivity significantly, but the awareness and adoption of these technologies among farmers is very low. Hence, focused efforts are requiredto transfer the existing technologies from the AICRP system to the farmers' fields through effective and efficient technology transfer programmes. To have focussed efforts for productivity enhancement and area expansion ofsesame, state-wise most efficient sesame cropping districts were identified by estimating the Relative Spread Index (RSI) and Relative Yield Index (RYI). Frontline demonstrations conducted in selected districts in the most efficient,efficient, and moderately efficient districts indicated a huge yield gap and vast potential to improve the sesame productivity under real farm situations. The extension strategies to be followed in technology transfer in variouscategories of districts for enhancing the productivity and area expansion of sesame crop are mentioned.

한국 반도체 소부장기업 CEO특성과 동적역량이 기업의 재무성과에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

The Korean semiconductor industry has grown to become the world's second-largest semiconductor producer through remarkable growth over the past 40 years, and large semiconductor manufacturing companies and subsidiaries have played an important role in the success of the Korean semiconductor industry. In order for a company to survive and grow in the rapidly changing environment of the semiconductor industry, the capabilities of the CEO and the dynamic capabilities of the company are very important factors. Therefore, this study empirically analyzed how the CEO's characteristics affect sales performance through the mediating effect of the company's dynamic capabilities and the moderating effect of technology transfer, targeting semiconductor subsidiaries. Risk sensitivity among entrepreneurship of CEO's of semiconductor subsidiaries had a significant effect on adaptability and innovation capacity among dynamic capabilities of the company. Among the managerial competencies of CEO's of semiconductor subsidiaries, network and technical competencies had a significant effect on adaptability and absorption competencies. In addition, among the dynamic competencies of semiconductor sub-maintenance companies, the absorption capacity had a significant effect on financial performance, and the CEO's network capacity of semiconductor sub-maintenance companies had a significant effect on financial performance through the absorption capacity, which is the dynamic capacity of the company. Regarding the moderating effect of technology transfer, it was found that the CEO's technical ability had a significant effect on financial performance through innovation capability.

PERCEPTION OF COTTON GROWERS TOWARDS PESTICIDES USAGE

Cotton is one of the most important fibre crop of India and plays a dominant role in the industrial and agricultural economy of the county. Saurashtra is a predominant cotton growing region in the Gujarat state, where more per cent of cultivated area is under cotton cultivation. In cotton cultivation, pesticide use is an essential part of production technology and excessive and injudicious use of pesticides has led to development of resistance in sucking pest, decrease the efficiency of the pesticides which turn to lowering of profit per annum and also responsible for degradation of soil. Considering the above facts, it seems worthwhile to know the level of perception of farmers about the pesticides usage. The study was conducted in Saurashtra region with 144 cotton growers. The result of study revealed that less than two fifth (36.11 per cent) of cotton growers were from high level of perception about pesticides usage in cotton crop. The profile characteristics like education, health value, sustainability, environmental orientation risk orientation, economic motivation, innovativeness, farming experience, annual income, scientific orientation, mass media exposure and source of information were positively and significantly associated with perception of cotton growers about pesticides usage, while age is negative and significantly related with perception level of cotton growers about pesticides usage. to increase profit per annum and effective plant protection technology transfer, extension functionaries may suggested to select educated, young and more cotton growing experienced farmers for imparting training.

Анализ динамики развития рынков интеллектуальных товаров и услуг в российских регионах

Introduction. The development of science and technology in recent decades, the active introduction of innovations and ongoing technological changes have significantly influenced economic processes and led to the emergence of a post-industrial economic system with a predominance of the Quaternary knowledge-intensive sector of the economy. Theoretical analysis. The development of intellectual activity and the expansion of the intellectual production sphere change the quality of the economic system itself. In modern economy, the development of markets for intellectual goods and services leads to qualitative changes in traditional sectors of the economy, which makes it important to study their development dynamics. Еmpirical analysis. Based on empirical data from 85 Russian regions for 2014–2021, an integral indicator of the development level of regional markets for intellectual goods and services was calculated using nine indicators that characterize the most large-scale knowledge-intensive sectors of knowledge generation in regional economies: educational services, innovations and information technologies. Results. The dynamics of the development of regional markets for intellectual goods and services as a whole is determined, and the unevenness of their development and a high degree of differentiation are revealed. The “disconnection” of regions with a high level of development of knowledge-intensive sectors from each other hinders the formation of an even innovation space and the spread of a high-tech way of life, the effective transfer of knowledge, technology, information and economic growth in general. Conclusion. The results of the study can be used to analyze changes in the educational services market, when conducting research on the innovative and informational development of regions, predicting qualitative and quantitative trends in the development of markets for intellectual goods and services.

Enhancing competitiveness through technology transfer and product quality: the mediation and moderation effects of location and asset value

The direct effects of technology transfer and innovation on the productivity and competitiveness of economies and businesses are well established. However, research is yet to establish the explanatory variables and the boundary conditions within which these relationships exist. This study examines the extent to which product quality mediates the relationship between technology transfer and competitiveness of small-scale agricultural businesses (SSABs). Moreover, the study explores the extent to which the geographical location moderates the technology transfer–business competitiveness relationship, including whether asset value moderates the product quality–competitiveness relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 400 SSAB owners and managers in the Free State and Mashonaland Central Provinces of South Africa and Zimbabwe, respectively. Of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 268 usable questionnaires (67%) were returned for analysis. The results suggest that product quality partially mediated the relationship between technology transfer and competitiveness of SSABs. The results demonstrate further that the relationship between product quality and competitiveness was moderated by asset value such that at low levels of product quality, SSABs with larger asset values became more competitive than those with smaller asset values. However, as product quality increased, SSABs with smaller asset values became increasingly competitive until the competitive advantage of those with larger asset values was eliminated. SSABs in South Africa reported higher product quality and competitiveness than those in Zimbabwe. The relationship between the location in which the SSAB was situated and competitiveness was direct, and location did not moderate the relationship between technology transfer and competitiveness. The study illuminates the critical importance of product quality for SSABs, especially those with small asset values. It also demonstrates that while technology transfer may influence the competitiveness of SSABs directly, the influence of quality products cannot be underestimated. The study is one-of-a-kind that simultaneously considers explanatory and moderated effects of technology transfer–competitiveness nexus in SSABs, in the context of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

An Empirical Investigation of Absorptive Capacity on Technology Transfer Effectiveness Through Organizational Innovation

Purpose: Achieving technology transfer effectiveness (TTE) remains challenging in developing and underdeveloped economies to improve social infrastructures and develop economic systems. Bringing effectiveness in technology transfer is a complicated process for organizations that require improvement in their absorptive capacity (ACAP) and organizational innovation (OI). In the Information and communication technology (ICT) sector of Pakistan, technology transfer is ineffective due to a lack of ACAP and OI. This study aims to investigate the impact of ACAP and OI on TTE in the ICT sector of Pakistan.
 
 Theoretical framework: This study empirically investigated the relationship of ACAP and OI with TTE with underpinning organizational learning theory.
 
 Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey design was adapted for collecting data from 393 management representatives from 33 organizations of two main sub-sectors (Telecommunications and Information Technology) of the ICT sector of Pakistan. PLS-SEM was used for the reliability and validity measurement of research constructs. It also tested the hypothesized relationships between ACAP, OI, and TTE.
 
 Findings: This study confirmed the significant relationship of ACAP and OI with TTE. Further, the results also confirmed the mediation of OI between ACAP and TTE in the ICT sector of Pakistan.
 
 Research, Practical & Social implications: The implication of this research is to help government institutions and public and private sectors to develop mechanisms, economic policies, strategies, and business support for effective technology transfer in the ICT sector. This research model is also helpful for researchers and practitioners in its applicability in other industries, countries, and cross-cultural environments.
 
 Originality/value: Due to the lack of research in the ICT sector of Pakistan, this study empirically investigated the hypothesized significant relationships of ACAP and OI with TTE. This study also filled the research gap by evaluating the significant mediation of OI between ACAP and TTE and contributed to the body of knowledge.

Approaches to evaluating innovations transfer: from macro to micro level

In the modern economy, innovation has become an important determinant of economic growth and sustainable development, so the need to evaluate the effectiveness of the innovation transfer is increasing. The aim of the work is to develop the approach to the evaluation of innovation transfer effectiveness at macro, meso and micro levels of national economies. The paper also reveals the differences in the processes of knowledge spillover and the innovation transfer within innovation systems of different levels; as well it assesses the innovation transfer processes based on the data from Russian regions. The authors make some judgments about the effectiveness of technology transfer and analyze the prerequisites for knowledge spillover across Russian regions.

Теоретичні аспекти трансферу технологій: сутність, результативність, підходи до управління

The article is aimed at highlighting some basic concepts of technology transfer and indicators of its effectiveness in the paradigm of «observation – orientation – decision – action» in the process of functioning of industrial enterprises on the basis of a systematic approach to management. The scientific novelty of the research results is the consideration of technology transfer on the basis of process and system approaches in the context of management with outlining the theoretical aspects of the effectiveness of technology transfer as a process. It is determined that technology transfer is a process that involves not only the transfer of knowledge, but also the transformation of this knowledge into a certain innovative technology with the active participation of the «source» of this technology and the end user of the product manufactured using this technology. This process needs to be managed. It is noted that technology transfer management is a purposeful set of managerial actions for technology transfer in order to increase the level of technological development and competitiveness of enterprise. The use of process and system approaches allows considering the technology transfer as a complex of interrelated processes that interact with each other as elements of a whole (a certain system). It is determined that the use of process approach to management of technology transfer makes it possible to obtain a holistic view of this process and ensure its compliance with the general objectives of enterprise. It is noted that the system approach allows technology transfer to be considered as a complex of interrelated actions (processes) that are parts of the whole (certain system). It is emphasized that the process of technology transfer should be not only effective (characterize not only the qualitative side of the process), but also effective; the effectiveness of the process of technology transfer in the context of a systematic approach should be calculated on the basis of a system of indicators of the components of this effectiveness on the basis of modeling.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PERSPECTIVES: THE KU LEUVEN CASE STUDY

The technology transfer office (TTO) is central to the Belgian university KU Leuven Research and Development (LRD) department, and is commendable with respect to the challenges of technology transfer. Together with the current industrial revolution, the case study focuses on a contemporary problem with several dimensions. Background is provided on philosophical perspectives, academic power, technology transfer platforms, and technology readiness. The exemplary characteristics of KU Leuven and evidence of impressive artefacts obtained through personal observation of the LRD are presented. Essentially, the case study explains the primary functions of a multidisciplinary TTO for effective technology transfer to ecosystems, with platforms such as the library, university hospitals, and others. Keywords: technology readiness, technology transfer, technology transfer office, technology transfer platforms

ИНСТРУМЕНТЫ ТРАНСФЕРА ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ ДЛЯ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО СУВЕРЕНИТЕТА И РАЗВИТИЯ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ НА ПРИМЕРЕ ЧЕЛЯБИНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The article considers the existing mechanisms and problems of interaction between uni-versities, industry and the state for the purpose of effective technology transfer and intensive innovative development. An analysis of existing domestic and foreign studies on the functioning of technology transfer centers (TTCs) is carried out. The key functions inherent in all centers, regardless of their coun-try of origin, and the unique and specific functions of transfer centers are identified. As part of the study, the mechanism for implementing the function of identifying market needs in innovative developments is analyzed in detail using the example of the industry of the Chelyabinsk region: a needs analysis for im-port-substituting products of industrial enterprises of the Chelyabinsk region is carried out; the lists of such products are systematized with the identification of consumers and potential suppliers; the types of products that require technological refinement and the types of equipment, raw materials and compo-nents, in which the domestic industry is experiencing the most acute shortage, are identified. The key re-sult of the study is the development of an architecture for an information and analytical base for as-sessing and analyzing the industry needs for certain types of equipment, raw materials and components, with the possibility of its further automation. The practical significance of the study: the need for digitalization of the functions of technology transfer centers and the creation of a unified information system has been identified. The results obtained are proposed to be used in the development of guidelines for the creation of technology transfer centers in various regions of Russia. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using its re-sults at the level of universities, industrial enterprises and the state when implementing import substitu-tion programs and ensuring the technological sovereignty of the domestic economy. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using its results at the level of uni-versities, industrial enterprises and the state when implementing import substitution programs and ensur-ing the technological sovereignty of the domestic economy.

FEATURES OF INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES IN THE MODERN REALITIES OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

The article is devoted to the definition and analysis of the features of international technology transfer. The aggravation of the economic situation in Ukraine, first as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and later as a result of a full-scale invasion, significantly affected all socio-economic processes both within our country and on a global scale. The result of such modern challenges was a slowdown in global economic growth. In order to activate the innovative environment in Ukraine, it is necessary to solve the issue of ensuring the exit of domestic progressive technologies, including those produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, to world markets. Therefore, international transfer is the priority direction of Ukrainian innovation policy. Since the goal of technology transfer is precisely the economic growth and improvement of the population’s well-being, its development acquires urgent significance in terms of solving the problems outlined above. The article examines the essence and features of international technology transfer. The positive features of technology transfer are identified. The stages of technology transfer are characterized. In the conditions of recovery and development of the Ukrainian economy, the construction of an effective technology transfer mechanism will be based on the construction of an effective mechanism of interaction between the state and business structures, the development of technology transfer centers, and the expansion of state policy in the field of technology transfer. It has been determined that increasing the efficiency of the technology transfer mechanism will contribute to increasing the level of development of information and communication technologies through the creation of specialized scientific and technological platforms. Forms of technology transfer are outlined. Sources of technology transfer commercialization are considered. The main methods of commercialization of technology transfer are defined.

Technology Transfer Offices and Their Role with Information Mechanisms for Innovation Performance in Firms: The Case of Ghana

Research into formal and informal technology transfer between universities and industry in economical developed counties is well-documented. However, such studies are limited in number in developing economies. In the context of developing economies, this study analyses technology transfer offices’ role in university technology transfer to Ghanaian firms. We incorporate informal mechanisms as a moderating variable to explore the role of human interaction in the technology transfer value chain. In a cross-sectional survey in Ghana, using structural equation modelling with 245 firms, our research finds a negative moderating effect of informal mechanisms on the effect of technology transfer offices on innovation performance in firms. The findings are of significance to universities and corporate bodies in economically developing nations such as Ghana. Policies to improve the effect of informal mechanisms of university technology transfer offices are proposed in developing economies.

The effect of institutions on the foreign direct investment‐growth nexus: What matters most?

AbstractThis paper examines the extent to which host‐country institutions influence the relationship between inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth. We develop a theoretical model to analyse how different types of institutions condition the FDI‐growth relationship and use various institutional proxies to conduct threshold estimations on panel data for 51 developed and developing countries over the period 1991–2016. Our results consistently reveal a robust, contingent effect of political stability on the FDI‐growth nexus, suggesting that, among all the institutional factors considered, the absence of civil conflict or violence in the host economy is most critical in terms of yielding both direct and indirect growth‐enhancing benefits associated with technology transfer and spillover effects from FDI inflows. This finding is pertinent to both developed and developing countries, although the threshold level of political stability required to achieve sizeable growth benefits from FDI tends to be lower for developing countries.

The effect of agricultural technology transfer on Zimbabwe’s economic development: a dynamic global trade analysis project approach

ABSTRACT Since 2000, Zimbabwe’s agricultural output has fluctuated despite the transfer of agricultural technology by various organisations and international partners. The low output response to technology transfer is attributed to the twin problems of lack of access and adoption of technology, which are largely explained by weak institutions, financial constraints, skill and knowledge deficiency, and poor rural infrastructure. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the effect of agricultural technology transfer on economic development using a dynamic Global Trade Analysis Project model for the reference year 2011. The study results indicated that economic performance improves when quality fertilisers, certified seeds, and machinery from other countries are used more intensively. Thus, policy interventions are required that enhance credit extension, roads, capital equipment, and good institutions such as property rights that incentivise farmers to adopt and invest in technology.

Establishment of Standard Process for University Technology Transfer Using SNA methodology

본 연구는 대학의 기술이전 사례를 중심으로 특허의 네트워크 분석 및 연관성 도출을 통해 수요기업의 수요에부합하는 특허 기술 발굴로 기술이전을 활성화하는 방안을 모색하고자 하였다. 소셜 네트워크 분석 방법론을 채택하여 사이람의 넷마이너 소프트웨어를 분석 툴로 하였다. 수집한 특허 데이터를 전처리 가공하여 특허 IPC, 발명자 소속 및 지원사업 간 네트워크 분석을 진행하는 한편, 특허의 시장력과 영향력 분석을 위하여 패밀리 특허와 피인용 수를 활용하였다. 데이터 가공과 분석 절차의 반복으로 네트워크의 구조를 도출하여 기업수요 맞춤형 표준프로세스를 구축하고자 한다. 연구 결과, 첫째, 기관의 특화 분야인 바이오 기술을 중심으로 한 융․복합 기술의 이전 수요를 확인하였다. 대학의 특화 분야와 기술이전 수요기업의 수요를 고려하여 융․복합 기술을 적극적으로 창출한다면 기술이전 활성화를 도모할 수 있을 것이다. 둘째, 특정 학과 연구자의 특허에 대한 기술이전이 활발히 이루어지고 있음을 확인하였다. 기관에서 연구자를 대상으로 관련한 프로그램을 기획 및 운영한다면, 적극적인 특허 기술의 발굴과 함께 보유 특허 맵 확장으로 전략적인 지식재산권 포트폴리오 구축 또한 가능할 것이다. 셋째, 대학의 특화 분야와관련 있는 정부 지원사업의 연구과제 성과물로 도출된 기술의 이전이 활발함을 확인하였다. 정부 지원사업을 통하여, 고도화된 특허를 창출해낸다면 기술이전의 효과성을 개선할 수 있을 것이다. 넷째, 기술이 융․복합되는추세에 따라 연구자 간 협업에서도 그 경계가 소멸되고 있음과 동일 발명자의 특허 기술이 같은 기업으로 이전되었음을 확인하였다. 이는 대학이 전략적인 특허 포트폴리오 맵 구축을 통해 기술이전의 새로운 돌파구를 찾을 수있음을 시사한다. 본 연구는 실질적인 사례 분석과 더불어 전통 통계 분석 방법과 달리 관계성에 주목하는 네트워크 분석을 통해데이터 그 자체로 표현하기 어려운 이면의 연결 구조와 관계성을 파악해 대학의 기술이전․사업화 활성화 방안에대한 새로운 방안을 찾고자 하였음에 의의가 있다고 할 수 있다.This study tried to find a way to activate technology transfer that meets the demand through network analysis and correlation of patents with a focus on university technology transfer cases, and to suggest a standard process. By collecting transferred patent data, network analysis was performed between patent IPC, inventor affiliation, and support projects, while family patents and citations were used to analyze the market power and influence of patents. The study results are as follows. First, the transfer demand for convergence technology centered on biotechnology, which is the specialized field of the institution, was identified. If convergence technology is actively created, it will lead to activation of technology transfer. Second, it was confirmed that technology transfer for patents by researchers from a small number of departments was actively carried out. If a related technology transfer program is operated for researchers in the relevant department, efficient patent technology transfer will be possible. Third, it was confirmed that the transfer of technology derived from research project outcomes of government-supported projects was active. The effectiveness of technology transfer can be improved by utilizing government-funded projects. It can be said that the connection structure and relationship of transferred technologies were identified through SNA analysis using real cases, and it was meaningful in that it tried to find a new standard process for technology transfer in universities.

Iran in Motion: Mobility, Space and the Trans-Iranian Railway by Mikiya Koyagi

Iran in Motion is an important contribution to the history of railway construction and its wider socio-political impact in a non-colonial context. At a related level, the volume also adds to our understanding of the diverse impetus behind railway building in the twentieth century. Broadly speaking, the history of railway building and its wider influence is largely a nineteenth-century story. But by focusing on the twentieth century, this book shows how the technology transfer related to railway construction and operation was adapted in Iran and was deployed to suit the changing needs of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s Iran.The book has seven chapters, excluding the introduction and the conclusion. The introduction sets out the analytical and methodological parameters of the book, including a “roadmap” with handy chapter summaries. The first two chapters underline how different visions—those of the late-imperial British and Iranian state in the early decades of the twentieth century—coalesced in imagining railways as a solution for creating a nation and national space. Chapter 3 develops this theme by illustrating how the Pahlavi state produced through imagery and actual construction a railway network (or the beginnings of one) that was expected to engender “national territorial space” (16). The fourth chapter focuses mainly on the construction of the trans-Iranian network, and the remaining three chapters analyze the ways in which the commencement of railway operation “produced new mobilities and new subjectivities” (16).The book’s scope is ambitious. At one level, it tells the story of the planning, building, and operation of the Trans-Iranian railways; at another, it tells what happens after railways become operational. Did it create a new nation space underpinned by diverse mobilities? Given this wide scope, the book methodologically straddles two distinct disciplinary boundaries, history and mobility studies. This interdisciplinarity, most notably evident in the conceptualization of the chapters, is largely successful. The flavor of the book, however, is primarily unembellished history. Though this approach is not necessarily a drawback, the volume, which explicitly claims to tell the history of Trans-Iranian railway as “stories of mobilities that the project facilitated” (14), does not draw substantially from the theoretical and analytical framework developed by mobility studies. Moreover, despite its use of traditional historical methodologies, the book’s empirical evidence is thin, as is clearly evident in the range of petitions and travelogues that it examines (Chapters 4–7). The copious newspapers, contemporary magazines, and similar other printed sources that document elite sensibilities cannot compensate for the striking dearth of empirical evidence about how railways affected non-elite mobilities and attitudes. Admittedly, mining archives for non-elite engagement is a daunting task, but the few petitions and other sources about railway workers, the traveling public, and the like are too sparse to justify Koyagi’s claim to cover “all sorts” (14).Nonetheless, the book theorizes and interprets its evidence well, showing that railway-induced mobilities were both diverse and instantiated in ways not intended by the Pahlavi state. The main achievement of the book is its ability to underline the wide and varied effect of technology transfer on different groups and individuals. Nowhere is this effect more obvious than in how people in contemporary Iran envisage their railways as a vehicle for pilgrimage and as an extension of the nation’s religious basis, beyond what it was projected to be when built under the Pahlavi regime. Overall, the volume adds to the expanding literature on technology transfer and its socio-cultural afterlife in Asia and beyond.

The transfer of technology from the organizational viewpoint

The transfer of technology from the organizational viewpoint

Examining the Relationship Between the use of Mobile Phones and Extension Methods in Adoption of Groundnut Farming Practices in Northwestern Nigeria

Adoption of recommended farm practices has been acknowledged to attain food security on groundnut production in Nigeria. Extension agents and other technology developers are now often using various channels of communication, as a means of reaching farmers with improved farm practices to ensure compliance. The aim of the paper is to examine the relationship between the use of mobile phones, individual and group extension methods, technology transfer mechanism in the adoption of improved groundnut farming practices, employing cross-sectional survey in four North-western states of Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for interviewing three hundred and thirty-nine farmers. Descriptive and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings shows that farmers’ had moderate usage levels of mobile phones and individual extension methods, and a high level on group extension methods. Mobile phone, individual and group extension methods had significant relationship with adoption at one percent. While, challenges to the use of mobile phones, individual and group extension methods identified to include; low farmers’ literacy, unstable power supply, poor network, low patronage of extension workers, and also knowledge is restricted to members of the group. It was concluded that the use of mobile phone, individual and group extension methods need to be sustained and improved via government and other stakeholders’ provision of extension agents’, training on utilization of extension methods and mobile phones application for effective technology transfer. Development of farmers’ knowledge on appropriate utilization of mobile phone gadgets will assist them to become receptive and embrace the practices promoted.

The impact of foreign direct investment on local entrepreneurship: blessing or curse?

ABSTRACT This paper studies the impact of foreign direct investment on local entrepreneurship by using a panel data set containing 31 provinces of China over 1992–2017. The study finds that the effect is positive and significant. On average about 16 percent of China’s local entrepreneurship growth can be attributed to FDI inflow over the entire sample period. The knowledge diffusion and technology transfer effect more than offset the crowding-out effect of FDI on local entrepreneurship in general during China’s economic transition.