The impact on development of technology and knowledge transfer in Chinese MNEs in sub-Saharan Africa: The Ghanaian case

TY - JOUR

T1 - The impact on development of technology and knowledge transfer in Chinese MNEs in sub-Saharan Africa: The Ghanaian case

AU - Osabutey, Ellis

AU - Jackson, Terence

PY - 2019/9/3

Y1 - 2019/9/3

N2 - The presence of Chinese multinational enterprises in Africa brings with it new technology and knowledge. Yet there is a lack of research on the impact of this on development in African countries. China’s recent industrial development may be more appropriate for Africa’s development than Western models, and the adoption of technological knowledge from Chinese firms may provide a more sustainable path to Africa’s future development because of cultural, institutional, social and historical synergies. However, there may be major barriers to transferring appropriate technology and knowledge. Findings from our study in the construction industry in Ghana suggest an absence of specific technology and knowledge transfer policies and strategies, with human resource development practices, language and some cultural issues also creating barriers. Bidding practices of Chinese firms investigated also appear to militate against successful technology and knowledge transfers to local partners and staff. Yet there appears unrealised potential that has not been addressed by firms. We suggest measures that may be taken to realise this potential and point to implications for policy and future research on the development potential of China in Africa.© 2019, Elsevier. The attached document (embargoed until 03/09/2019) is an author produced version of a paper published in TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self- archiving policy. The final published version (version of record) is available online at the link. Some minor differences between this version and the final published version may remain. We suggest you refer to the final published version should you wish to cite from it.

AB - The presence of Chinese multinational enterprises in Africa brings with it new technology and knowledge. Yet there is a lack of research on the impact of this on development in African countries. China’s recent industrial development may be more appropriate for Africa’s development than Western models, and the adoption of technological knowledge from Chinese firms may provide a more sustainable path to Africa’s future development because of cultural, institutional, social and historical synergies. However, there may be major barriers to transferring appropriate technology and knowledge. Findings from our study in the construction industry in Ghana suggest an absence of specific technology and knowledge transfer policies and strategies, with human resource development practices, language and some cultural issues also creating barriers. Bidding practices of Chinese firms investigated also appear to militate against successful technology and knowledge transfers to local partners and staff. Yet there appears unrealised potential that has not been addressed by firms. We suggest measures that may be taken to realise this potential and point to implications for policy and future research on the development potential of China in Africa.© 2019, Elsevier. The attached document (embargoed until 03/09/2019) is an author produced version of a paper published in TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self- archiving policy. The final published version (version of record) is available online at the link. Some minor differences between this version and the final published version may remain. We suggest you refer to the final published version should you wish to cite from it.

U2 - 10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119725

DO - 10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119725

M3 - Article

SN - 0040-1625

VL - 148

JO - Technological Forecasting and Social Change

JF - Technological Forecasting and Social Change

IS - November 2019

ER -