ABSTRACT
Measuring transborder technology flows is by all standards a complex undertaking. This is both a result of the substance of the phenomenon as well as the state of the relevant statistics. With regard to the first issue, it is principally the nature of the technology which makes its strict statistical delineation nearly impossible. Technology is a part of human knowledge - and, so far, unable to measure knowledge in a quantitative way. To better understand the situation in international technology flows, shall start analysis with a brief discussion of the world-wide distribution of technological potential. This potential is primarily associated with research and development - currently the major source of technological advances. Technology may be transferred internationally through a variety of institutional arrangements, the combination of which is largely determined by the systemic characteristics of the parties involved and the structure of their motivations and interests.
