ABSTRACT
Technology-its promotion and diffusion-has become and will continue to be a major factor shaping and reshaping patterns of international commerce to the end of the century. If the preceding paragraphs portray accurately the coming world of commerce, it is important to understand better how countries might successfully position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that technology offers. One dimension that has received considerable attention has fallen under the rubric of technology transfer, although most students of technology transfer have concentrated only on its consequences for receiving countries. Third World or developing countries have directed much attention to strategies for unlocking the technological secrets of multinational firms that operate within their borders so as to encourage the greater absorption of technological processes operating within their economies. Similarly importing countries would benefit from a competitive market of suppliers that would offer a wider menu of choices at competitive prices.
