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........ published in NEWSLETTER # 57
EAST-WEST TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: NEW PERSPECTIVES AND HUMAN RESOURCES
by Dr. G. Bugliarello, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn/NY (U.S.A.)
This book - the proceedings of a NATO Advanced Research Workshop (NATO ASI SERIES 4-3) - addresses the question of how to more effectively transfer technology across the frontiers of the former cold war and how to enhance the technological capabilities of the former Soviet block countries through that transfer, as well as through the conversion of military-oriented industries.
Background papers help set the socio-technmological and legal paradigms for the international transfer of technology. Two sets of studies focus respectively on the issues as viewed by experts from several countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) and from selected countries of the West.
In the transfer of technology between FSU countries and countries of the West, organizational and other non-technological capabilities (such as human resources, marketing and financial management) are an essential complement to the transfer of hardware and technical information but at this moment are a key bottleneck.
Issues that need to be addressed include: 1) the development of broader marketing, management and financial skills in a market environment; 2) inter-institutional cooperation within the FSU countries; 3) improved communication between those countries in the West; 4) lack of experience in many FSU countries in international cooperative ventures; 5) a better reciprocal understanding of the outlook, needs and capabilities of both FSU and Western countries; 6) unrealistic expectations regarding opportunities and responsibilities in the transfer of technology; 7) a more even development of a legal basis for a market economy and technology transfer in FSU countries; 8) development of standards and regulation in conformance with those of transfer and export target countries, and, concurrently, quality assurance.
The absence in the FSU of some hardware technologies was not deemed of major importance, and production know-how and research competence are not an issue.
NATO is uniquely positioned to further the development of FSU countries through technology transfer support programs. The NATO Science Programme can enable NATO to draw from a large group of international experts in many fields of science and technology. Projects of the Science for Stability type could fit into an overall development strategy of an FSU country and should receive a high degree of priority, with particular emphasis on assistance to the small and medium industries.
Reference books: 4-3, E6, E19