Comparative Study of Technology Transfer Models

Today's world is a world of enormous advances in phenomena, in which technology is considered one of the most important factors in the production of goods and services. Technology transfer is a complex and difficult process that without adequate research and study may lead to wasting money, time and technology weakening. The purpose of this study is to provide a framework to examine the factors affecting technology transfer with the comparative approach. Therefore, we first briefly discussed the definition of technology transfer and then technology transfer models were discussed in detail. Subsequently, examples of studies conducted in Iran to better understand the issues were presented. Results were obtained by comparing the different theoretical perspectives, and factors affecting technology transfer in ten overall categories of familiarity with market, willingness and ability of the technology transfer and technology receptor, level of technological risk and uncertainty, technology life cycle, organizational interactions, nature of the technology, the aim of the cooperation, economic and financial factors, characteristics of the technology holder (source) and R&D activities were introduced. Each of these factors includes indicators which can be used to assess the models of technology transfer. Finally, based on the findings, the proposed framework is suggested to improve the success and effectiveness of technology transfer projects in Iran.