Exploring a conceptual framework of collaborative technology transfer practices for SMEs

Reviews of literature show that many successes of innovation management in firms would rest significantly on the identification of the needs and the degree, to which these activities are coordinated, integrated and focused. Unlike large organisations which can have more resources to develop innovation capacities, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would likely opt to acquire innovations from trading partners, research institutes and/or academic organisations through technology transfer (TT). This paper reviews six process-oriented models of innovation and TT as advocated in literature, and identifies several important features of TT practices for SMEs in developing countries. A conceptual framework of collaborative TT practices is proposed in an attempt to facilitate a multi-flow of information that drives towards strategic collaboration between SMEs and other stakeholders. Further research is needed to identify specific factors and investigate the relevancy of the approach to collaborative TT practices of Caribbean SMEs.