South-South Technology Transfer Research Articles

Exploring 'South-South' Technology Transfer Perspective for Regional Development and Stability: The Case of China Pakistan Economic Corridor


 
 
 Historically, there was a traditional North-South paradigm of technology transfer under which the developed part of the world had the capability and authority of technology transfer to the relatively less developed and developing states. However, this was challenged by China which rose as an economic power and reversed the technology transfer paradigm (South-North technology cooperation). Chinese innovative policies have made it a world power and the source of technology transfer to the developing part of the world thus forming the South-South technology transfer network. China has earned the status of world lender and project financier through its One Belt One Road project and through CPEC Pakistan has become the recipient of more than $46 billion of Chinese FDI. This provides Pakistan with ample of opportunities of technology transfer and boosting its economy. However, only the implementation of balanced economic and technological policies can lead to fruitful results for the donor as well as recipient state.
 
 

Technology transfer and cooperation for low carbon energy technology: Analysing 30 years of scholarship and proposing a research agenda

While North-South technology transfer and cooperation (NSTT) for low carbon energy technology has been implemented for decades, South-South technology transfer and cooperation (SSTT) and South-North technology transfer and cooperation (SNTT) have only recently emerged. Consequently, the body of literature on NSTT is mature, while the body on SSTT and SNTT is still in its infancy. This paper provides a meta-synthesis of the scholarly writings on NSTT, SSTT and SNTT from the past 30 years. We specifically discuss core drivers and inhibitors of technology transfer and cooperation, outcomes as well as outcome determinants. We find policies and practices for low carbon development to be the main driver, both pushed by governments and international aid programs, as well as by firms that are interested in expanding overseas. Inhibitors include a non-existent market in the host countries and the abundance of cheap fossil fuel resources that price out renewables. The literature is divided on whether intellectual property rights are inhibitors or drivers of technology transfer to the Global South. Outcomes of technology transfer and cooperation are mixed with approximately one-third of instances reported as successful technology transfer and another one-third reported as failures. Core key success factors were identified as suitable government policies as well as adequate capacities in the recipient country. This analysis is then followed by an introduction of the papers of the special issue 'South-South Technology Transfer and Cooperation for Low Carbon Energy Technologies’. Finally, a research agenda for future work on NSTT, SSTT and SNTT is proposed.

Comparing North-South technology transfer and South-South technology transfer: The technology transfer impact of Ethiopian Wind Farms

The paper compares HydroChina’s involvement in Adama Wind Farm in Ethiopia as a case of South-South technology transfer to that of Vergnet, a French firm involved in the construction and financing of Ashegoda Wind Farm, as a case of North-South technology transfer. The impact of technology transfer is evaluated along four dimensions: capital goods and equipment, direct skill transfer, indirect skill transfer, and knowledge and expertise. In recent years, rise of south-south technology transfer led by Chinese-financed overseas renewable energy projects in developing countries has rekindled debate on motivations and impacts of China’s increasing engagements. However, the literature on impact of technology transfer in renewable energy is scarce and non-comparative in nature. This paper aims to fill in the gap. Through interviews with key stakeholders and detailed analysis of the negotiation and construction processes in both projects, the research shows although HydroChina shared a higher level of knowledge and expertise to local engineers and university scholars during the construction phase, Vergnet formed stronger long-term skill transfer linkages with local university students and employed a larger share of local workers than HydroChina. It is crucial to note the research presented here shows that host government, rather than donor country, has considerable capacity and can play a vital role in negotiating and maximizing technology transfer. In fact, the host government’s expectations and demands contributed to the variations in technology transfer patterns. The paper concludes with a discussion of potential opportunities and challenges, and policy recommendations to facilitate international technology transfer.

South-South technology transfer: Who benefits? A case study of the Chinese-built Bui dam in Ghana

The literature on technology transfer has focussed on North-South transfer and has analysed transfer as a largely technical process. This is despite the increasing influence of rising powers in technology transfer, specifically in the area of energy generation. China is an important player in this field. This article has two aims: firstly, it adds to the small but emerging literature on South-South technology transfer by exploring the role of Chinese actors, using the Bui dam in Ghana as a case study. Secondly, the article develops an expanded notion of technology transfer by arguing that technology transfer is not only a technical process, but it is inherently political as it includes crucial issues on decision-making regarding the type of technology that is transferred, who is granted access to the decision-making process, and who benefits from the new technology. In examining technology transfer from this perspective, the article draws on the sociology of technologies approach and the sustainable transitions literature arguing that technology transfer is a contested process that takes place within complex political, economic, social and cultural settings and actor networks. This determines the technology that is transferred, who benefits most, and who is marginalized in the process.

China's rise: Challenging the North-South technology transfer paradigm for climate change mitigation and low carbon energy

Historically, technology transfer from the global North to China played a large role in renewable energy pathways in China, particularly for wind energy, partly also for solar energy. Yet, the rise of China and other emerging economies means a shift away from a reliance on technology transfer and production capabilities to strengthening indigenous innovation capabilities. Drawing on evidence from the hydropower, solar and wind energy industry in China, the paper introduces the concept of ‘geographies of technology transfer and cooperation’ and challenges the North-South technology transfer and cooperation paradigm for low carbon innovation and climate change mitigation. The empirical evidence shows that for low carbon innovation, the conception that China is lacking behind in innovation capabilities is partly outdated. Instead, there is an increase in indigenous innovation capabilities, resulting in South-South technology transfer and cooperation as well as elements of ‘reverse’ South-North technology cooperation.

South-South technology transfer to Laos through face-to-face contacts

This study examines South–South technology transfers to Laos from China, Thailand, and Vietnam. South–South technology transfers, through face-to-face (F2F) contacts with business partners in the three nations, have positive correlations with process improvements for Lao firms. The F2F contacts with partners in Thailand have positive correlations with the introduction of new products by foreign-owned firms in Laos.

Networking to save the world: UNEP’s regional networks—conflict resolution in action

The success of the Montreal Protocol in achieving global participation in the phase-out and phasedown of ozone-depleting chemicals can be attributed in large part to regional networks of experts instituted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1991. ‘Regional Networks’ were set up to help developing countries meet their compliance obligations under the Montreal Protocol and are financially supported by the protocol’s Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (Multilateral Fund or MLF). They provide a regular forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as development of skills among officers of National Ozone Units (NOUs). Ongoing relationships formed through the networks reinforce progress and facilitate South-South and South-North cooperation and technology transfer. The networks play an additional role in encouraging innovation and knowledge sharing on other environmental issues, such as climate change and persistent organic pollutants, through back-to-back meetings and other educational events. The Regional Network model can serve as a template to successfully address other global environmental and social challenges. The model also illustrates how informal dialogue between officers and institutions has the potential to nurture formal commitments.

The story of artesunate–mefloquine (ASMQ), innovative partnerships in drug development: case study

BackgroundThe Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a not-for profit organization committed to providing affordable medicines and access to treatments in resource-poor settings. Traditionally drug development has happened “in house” within pharmaceutical companies, with research and development costs ultimately recuperated through drug sales. The development of drugs for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases requires a completely different model that goes beyond the scope of market-driven research and development.Artesunate and mefloquine are well-established drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, with a strong safety record based on many years of field-based studies and use. The administration of such artemisinin-based combination therapy in a fixed-dose combination is expected to improve patient compliance and to reduce the risk of emerging drug resistance.Case descriptionDNDi developed an innovative approach to drug development, reliant on strong collaborations with a wide range of partners from the commercial world, academia, government institutions and NGOs, each of which had a specific role to play in the development of a fixed dose combination of artesunate and mefloquine.Discussion and evaluationDNDi undertook the development of a fixed-dose combination of artesunate with mefloquine. Partnerships were formed across five continents, addressing formulation, control and production through to clinical trials and product registration, resulting in a safe and efficacious fixed dose combination treatment which is now available to treat patients in resource-poor settings. The south-south technology transfer of production from Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz in Brazil to Cipla Ltd in India was the first of its kind. Of additional benefit was the increased capacity within the knowledge base and infrastructure in developing countries.ConclusionsThis collaborative approach to drug development involving international partnerships and independent funding mechanisms is a powerful new way to develop drugs for tropical diseases.

Delivering two new treatments for malaria: a story of inventive partnerships

The World Health Organisation (WHO) currently recommends the use of five artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. ACT combines two effective antimalarial drugs and is the cornerstone of successful malaria control and ultimately, elimination. Fixed-dose combinations (FDC) of ACTs are preferred, as they promote adherence to treatment and reduce the risk of selecting for drug-resistant parasites. In order to strengthen the ACT portfolio of FDCs, which at the time was minimal, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), together with the WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), launched the FACT (Fixed Dose Artesunate Combination Therapy) project in 2002, with original funding from INCO/DEV. The FACT core group also included the Brazilian government-owned pharmaceutical company, Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz, the University of Bordeaux, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Mahidol University and the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit in Thailand, the Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme in Burkina Faso and the University of Oxford, combining epidemiological and drug development expertise. Additional competencies in clinical studies, clinical supplies and regulatory matters strengthened the core team. Through innovative collaborations with this variety of partners, the FACT project delivered FDCs of Artesunate (AS) plus Amodiaquine (ASAQ), and AS plus Mefloquine (MQ). Key contributions in scale-up, industrial production and regulatory filing were still needed to make the products available to patients, and different strategies were set up for each product. Both strategies were based on an initial development within the public and not-for-profit sector, with an extension to the private sector when a viable product was available, for registration, production and distribution. Sanofi took over the last steps of industrial development and regulatory filing for ASAQ and the product was pre-qualified by WHO in 2008. Since then, ASAQ has been registered in over 30 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and over 120 million treatments have been delivered - making this the second most widely used ACT. Deployment was accompanied by a risk-management plan, together with an extensive training and educational programme developed by Sanofi. ASMQ FDC production was scaled up by Farmaguinhos/Fiocruz and registered in Brazil in 2008. A large intervention study involving over 23,000 patients was performed by the National Malaria Control Programme in Brazil showing the efficacy of the product in real-life conditions. Through a South-South technology transfer, ASMQ FDC production was transferred to the Indian pharmaceutical company Cipla to ensure availability in India and South East Asia. ASMQ FDC was registered in India in 2011 and in Malaysia in early 2012 and is under review for WHO prequalification. The FACT project demonstrates that alternative drug development strategies can make safe, affordable and sustainable treatments available to patients. Diverse partnerships gathering a wide range of expertise, from national programmes ensuring the most appropriate therapy is used in endemic areas to industrial partners for product implementation and wide distribution, were key to success. Both ASAQ and ASMQ FDCs are critical drugs for malaria control across Africa, Latin America and South East Asia.

Bridging organisations for sustainable development and conservation: a Paraguayan case

This paper addresses the role of emergent organisations like Fundacion Moises Bertoni (FMB) in biosphere reserve conservation. FMB is a Paraguayan NGO that manages the Mbaracayu Forest Nature Reserve (MR), the largest remnant of the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest in Paraguay. The area is inhabited by indigenous Ache and Guarani people. Working with Texas A&M University and aided by the World Wildlife Fund in Paraguay, FMB hosted a workshop in the MR to facilitate South-South technology transfer and capacity building. In this role, FMB fits the characteristics of an altruistic bridging organisation (Westley and Vredenburg, 1991).

Asia Pacific Co-operation for the sustainable use of renewable natural resources in biosphere reserves and similarly managed areas

UNESCO has been required by its Member States to assist in implementing the recommendations of the World Conference on Science, held in Budapest in June 1999. In particular, UNESCO should identify national strategies for biodiversity protection in biosphere reserves and similarly managed areas, with special emphasis on coastal areas, small islands and mangroves, South-South technology transfer and intensive training for the management of renewable natural resources in selected case studies throughout specific developing countries. With generous support from the Government of Japan, UNESCO is now implementing the ASPACO project from January 2001 to December 2003, in close collaboration with MAB-Japan, ISME and the UNU. The project emphasises the role of biosphere reserves as catalysts for both conservation and development. The complementary roles of UNESCO, ISME and UNU in scientific issues of nature preservation and sustainable use of natural resources are eminent for action in (1) integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas, including economic zones, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage via "ethical tourism"; (2) mangrove forest environmental protection, (3) sustainable use and conservation of renewable natural resources under national jurisdiction; and (4) strengthening international, including regional, co-operation and co-ordination. This project will pay particular attention to those countries having or planning biosphere reserves and to those countries whose governments have strong relations with the MAB of UNESCO. Training, capacity building and increase of local capabilities for research and management of sustainable use of renewable natural resources are key elements of the project. In particular, through the involvement of ISME, the project will promote exchange of information, research results and scientists with respect to preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. It will help to disseminate knowledge of comparative research through publications and/or network databases. Within the framework of action for poverty eradication, the project will try to identify how to improve living conditions for the inhabitants of concerned areas as a basic requirement for human security, with special attention to food and fodder production and the rational use of biodiversity for the benefit of local populations. Capacity building for the development of biosphere reserves will be through North-South exchanges; exchange of experience by training of biosphere reserve managers will be through South-South exchanges. This includes strengthening of existing capacities and increase of local capacity for carrying out management, natural resources assessment, research and training, with special emphasis on the education of young women. Project activities will be located in selected countries of the Pacific region, including small islands of the Pacific and the West Coast of Latin America.

South-south technology transfer: The case of China's Kpatawee rice project in Liberia

Despite the call for more technical cooperation between developing countries (TCDC) as spearheaded by the United Nations Development Program, the literature contains few examples of actual cases of TCDC. Kpatawee Farm was developed during 1978–1989 by the People's Republic of China as a state-owned rice seed plantation in rural Liberia. The article analyzes this experience of TCDC. It concludes that technical cooperation between developing countries may offer unexpected problems. In this case, operating Kpatawee as a state farm effectively transferred China's own difficulties with state-controlled, overmechanized, and uneconomic production. Privatizing Kpatawee is unlikely to improve its performance. Even China's small-scale irrigation techniques, when considered separately from the rainfed area of the state farm, appear at best only marginally competitive with imports, and offer limited promise as a viable farming system for rural Liberia.