A technological resurgence? Africa in the global flows of technology

Abstract

The UNECA series on Technology Transfer for africa's Development are designed to draw attention to the importance of technology transfer in economic development.The main objective of the studies in this series is co explore trends in technology transfer, the preferred modes and channels of technology transfer, the impact of technology transfer on industrial productivity and efficiency and the mechanisms and measures countries may use to facilitate technology transfer. The present study highlights broad trends in cross-border flows of technology using various market and non-market-based proxies.The proxies do not necessarily measure the volume of technology flows but are helpful in identifying trends in technology transfer from one country to another, and in identifying countries that may be benefiting from such technology flows. Such information is useful in understanding the role that policies potentially play in promoting or hindering technology transfer,opportunities that countries could exploit and private sector practices they may wish to encourage or discourage. Each chapter is designed to highlight trends and practices among developed and developing regions, and among African countries. It then offers various ways in which countries can stimulate their firms and institutions to acquire new and emerging technologies.