V) Dewey a Knowledge Asset-based View of Technology Transfer in International Joint Ventures on the Management of Technology a Knowledge Asset-based View of Technology Transfer in International Joint Ventures

A knowledge asset-based framework of technology transfer is proposed, illustrated by examples from studies of two international joint ventures. The framework depicts the organization as a collection of embodied knowledge assets. Differences between firms result from the different combinations of embodied knowledge types that are used to accomplish the same ends. Technology transfer is the transfer of embodied knowledge assets between organizations. Four concepts, Transfer Scope, Transfer Method, Knowledge Architectures, and Organizational Adaptive Ability describe important aspects of the transfer process. Transfer scope describes the extent of embodied information being transferred. Transfer method describes the approaches used to transfer the technology. Knowledge architectures describe types of knowledge assets the firms possesses, and the relationships between them. The organization's ability describes its ability to change its architecmres over time. Technology transfer involves selecting the proper transfer method given the demands of the transfer scope, working within the constraints of the existing organization's architectures, and its adaptive ability. 1.0 INTRODUCTION Increasingly, firms are turning to cooperative agreements with other firms to share knowledge, develop products, exploit markets, or concentrate power, (Friedman, Berg, et al., 1979; Hamel, Doz, et al., 1989; Harrigan, 1988; Kogut, 1988; Ouchi and Bolton, 1987). This trend has been accelerated with increasing global competition. With cooperative work inevitably comes the necessity to transfer technologies or knowledge from one place to another. This is challenging when the technologies being transferred are part of the on-going operations of a firm, such as production technologies. This paper addresses the problem of how to transfer technologies between firms with different, yet mature technological bases. A framework is developed which identifies important considerations in the technology transfer process. Implications of the framework for management are