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Challenges in the Era of Globalization - iaabd

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<strong>Challenges</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Era</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Globalization</strong><br />

Edited by Emmanuel Obuah<br />

managerial technology (more tacit <strong>in</strong> nature), especially for <strong>the</strong> effective, efficient and <strong>in</strong>deed <strong>in</strong>novative<br />

use <strong>of</strong> technology embodied <strong>in</strong> equipments, tools, mach<strong>in</strong>es, systems etc. (more explicit). Arguably,<br />

develop<strong>in</strong>g countries should <strong>in</strong>troduce technology compatible with <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge (science) base. When<br />

<strong>the</strong> knowledge base is good, collaboration and <strong>in</strong>teraction with foreign firm could ensure product<br />

(equipment), process, and managerial technologies could be more easily and quickly absorbed. Teas<strong>in</strong>g<br />

out a relationship fur<strong>the</strong>r reveals that explicit knowledge (science based) precedes tacit knowledge. Less<br />

developed regions needed more explicit knowledge compared to more developed regions. Countries <strong>in</strong><br />

SSA should pursue policies that seek to <strong>in</strong>crease explicit knowledge through sound and pragmatic science<br />

and technology educational policies with technological foresight. This will enable effective T&K<br />

management and transfer.<br />

Conclusion<br />

This study has discussed <strong>the</strong> relationship between TT and KT. It has clearly <strong>in</strong>dicated that KT requires<br />

concerted effort from <strong>the</strong> recipient. To enhance T&K management and transfer <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> need to<br />

<strong>in</strong>crease explicit knowledge with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> local environment and this can enhance <strong>the</strong> absorption <strong>of</strong> tacit<br />

knowledge. This paper <strong>the</strong>refore moves away from <strong>in</strong>dependent concepts <strong>of</strong> TT and KT and adopts a<br />

more comprehensive concept <strong>of</strong> T&K transfer with <strong>the</strong> view that <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>in</strong>separable and should be<br />

pursued toge<strong>the</strong>r. This paper posits that for effective T&K transfer to occur <strong>the</strong> knowledge (science) base<br />

must be right and must precede <strong>the</strong> technology (equipment and tools). In addition, effective T&K transfer<br />

<strong>in</strong> a develop<strong>in</strong>g country such as Ghana requires more explicit knowledge to precede tacit knowledge<br />

components. This study is based on <strong>the</strong> premise that <strong>the</strong> knowledge base required for effective TT must<br />

be created and that a policy that <strong>in</strong>troduces new technology without ensur<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> knowledge base is<br />

right is short-sighted. This paper posits fur<strong>the</strong>r that perhaps KT should marg<strong>in</strong>ally precede TT for it to be<br />

effective and policies must holistically ensure that this happens.<br />

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