Author(s): Ndirangu, SN, Kanali CL, Mutwiwa UN, Kituu Gm
Publication date: 4-6th May 2016
Publication type: Conference Proceedings
Journal: 2016 Annual Conference on Sustainable Research and Innovation
Abstract: The term technology transfer has been viewed different by different writers and researchers. One wider encompassing view is where Technology Transfer (TT) begins during the development of an innovation, continues through its dissemination, and extends into its early implementation. A distinction is also made between horizontal and vertical transfer. The paper mainly views technology transfer from vertical integration and from a wider perspective that includes; Technology development, technology dissemination, and technology adoption. Technology transfer is one of the ingredients for the development of technological capabilities of enterprises. Most Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) including those using renewable energy and agro-processing technologies lack technological capabilities and require effective technology transfer.
Some of potential renewable energy based agro-processing technologies energy for use by SMEs are solar drying and evaporative cooling. The two technologies have not been effectively introduced or adopted due to various technical and socio- economic reasons, and adoption and usage still remain low in Africa. One major challenge to their use is poor transfer efforts. Review of various models show they are diverse in their visualisation of technology transfer, and one need to consider characteristic variation of involved institutions and technologies at each of the stages of development and commercialization.
The paper has attempted to develop a model for technology transfer that could be used to transfer renewable energy based agro-processing technologies. The study identifies the elements of some models used by selected players in technology transfer of renewable and agro-processing technologies in Kenya. The best elements are incorporated into a consolidated model that also factors other elements from literature review. The formulated technology transfer model has three components; planning; the technology development; and the dissemination and adoption components. Such a model can be used by different organisations that are engaged in technology transfer and could be ideal for renewable energy based agro-processing technologies including greenhouse solar dryer.
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