Issues on partnering: evidences from subcontracting in aeronautics

This article presents the findings of exploratory research on technology transfer and subcontracting in aeronautics. The purpose of this research is to explore the impact that the type of subcontracting agreement (otherwise partnering characteristics) could have on the level of technology transfer occurring between a main contractor and its subcontractors. The scope and the nature of technology flows taking place through equipment acquisition or know-how and the complexities arising from the way the subcontracting relationships are managed are considered. The aeronautical industry was selected because it is technology-intensive and presents technology transfers. In our sample we observe that: (1) the main contractor and its subcontractors do not necessarily develop the same perceptions of their subcontracting agreements; (2) the technology transfer flows are mainly unidirectional, going from the main contractor to its subcontractors; and (3) partnering seems to be an idealized condition rather than a reality. The managerial implications of our findings are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.