International technology transfer in small business: A new paradigm

International technology transfers are growing in recent years as trade barriers are lowered and repatriation of income laws are relaxed in many developing countries. Simultaneously, there have been great improvements in logistics and communications. These developments have transformed the conventional international technology transfer processes. This paper reviews the traditional processes of international technology transfer. The process is illustrated with two case studies, and their problems are briefly discussed. The paradigm of the process and its weaknesses in the present are discussed. With the help of a recent case study involving small businesses the paper presents a new paradigm for technology transfer. Some important features of this paradigm are - small firms can actively seek to sell their technology only, and the crucial role played by the international communication technology.