ABSTRACT
This chapter considers technical change in small and medium-sized light engineering and metal working enterprises in Accra, and mechanisation among their customers. After a brief statement of the theoretical context of this paper, the main attributes of the enterprises visited are described. Training, forms of mechanisation, co-operation between light engineering enterprises and the product range of the firms are discussed next. The networks external to the light engineering and metal working sector are analysed under the subheadings local relations, input networks, output networks and user-producer interaction.1 The interrelations between light engineering networks and other local production networks is discussed using examples from carpentry, bakeries and building. The concluding section highlights the close relation between technological configuration, work organisation and cooperation between enterprises in the light engineering sector in Accra, and discusses the conclusions which can be drawn from this study about technology policies, trade and development.
