Arrangements for the transfer of technology to developing countries : a case study of Jamaica

Abstract

In Jamaica, the context within which technological. Transfers take place influences greatly the effectiveness and the costs of such transfers. The Jamaican economy is very open, highly dependent, and very dualistic. In the context of a dualistic structure of production and of income distribution, foreign technology tends to flow in mainly to the capital-intensive enterprises in the economy producing chiefly for the upper 10% of the population disposing of the bulk of purchasing power. Thus it helps to erode the traditional industries using an indigenous, if simple technology, and it is often not associated with the satisfaction of the needs of the majority of the population. Jamaica lacks a comprehensive national program for technological research and development. Technology transfer agreements are, not scrutinized carefully. Work Permit arrangements are not integrated with manpower planning and educational development as part of a systematic and coherent comprehensive human development program.