Developing a 'receptive' R&D environment for inward technology transfer: A case study of the chemical industry

The purpose of this paper is to show how certain internal organisational activities affect an organisation's ability to engage in the external acquisition of technology commonly referred to as inward technology transfer. The study focuses on a technology trawling exercise conducted by ICI and reveals difficulties in 'receptivity' on the part of the receiving businesses. A conceptual framework is developed which identifies four major components of the inward technology transfer process. These are: 'Awareness'-'Association'-'Assimilation'-'Application'. Using this conceptual device separate studies are conducted within two large multinational chemical companies in the North West of England. The findings reveal the importance of certain non-routine activities and indicate how successful organisations are able to manage the tension between the need for creative non-routine assimilation processes to generate a 'receptive' environment for future growth and efficient routine activities to remain competitive in the short-term.