erc/metu
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN ECONOMICS  IV
September 13-16, 2000, Ankara

Technology Transfer in Asia, the Case of Supporting industries in Thailand

Akira Kuroda (Teikyo University of Technology and Science, Japan)

Abstract  

It has been argued in Asia that Japanese firms don't transfer technology and hide it. In this paper I argue that understanding of technology varies. Japanese type technology tends to be more skill-oriented and try to change the attitude of the people. In contrast, American type technology tends to be organizational and mechanical, and takes resources as given. They are free from friction. As the Japanese firms try to change the people, Japanese firms very often brings friction and stress to the local people. From my interviews at the auto parts and electrical parts industries in Thailand, I found that local staff almost completed the acquisition of operational technologies, but not yet improvement and development technologies. Therefore, I argue that technology is not a once-for-all matter and needs accumulation step-by-step. In this sense, Japanese firms have played the role of technology carrier in the past, and will play it furthermore in the future although it may be unintended. Whether Asian countries will acquire technology depends more on their hard efforts.

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