International Technology Transfer to Promote Access and Innovation in Times of Global Crisis

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded the attention of governments around the world, and questions have been raised about technology transfer and global access to essential products, especially for countries with limited research and development capabilities and resources. The international response has been focused on programs or projects to support developing countries access to essential health products, but they appear not to have long-term goals. A group of such initiatives has focused on patent information, patent pools or compulsory licensing, but experience proves that these devices do not deliver good results because they are not usually sufficient to reproduce technology. The authors argue that International Organizations (IO) may play an important role in encouraging international technology transfer (ITT), especially in times of crisis where many collaborative initiatives emerge. Strong evidence recommends designing strategies that will forge a pathway for national development, with the commitment to create indigenous capacities as part of the innovation strategy, and technology ownership incentives to participate in meaningful technology transfer. Finally, recognizing the existing local capabilities in developing countries, IOs can implement ITT through the creation of international programs to accelerate R&D projects among these countries, thereby fostering technological internationalization and economic growth.

Keywords: international technology transfer, global crisis, COVID-19, developing countries, crisis