Development of a technology transfer framework for the bakery industry in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In the global manufacturing context, Sri Lanka is still a developing country where the production sector is far behind the technological updates and upgrades compared to other countries. Almost 75% of enterprises in Sri Lanka belong to the small and medium categories and they contribute approximately 52% of the Gross Domestic Product of the Sri Lankan economy. For the timely development of the backbone of the economy of Sri Lanka, the SME sector should be empowered with advanced technologies. The bakery industry in the food manufacturing sector has experienced many obstacles in acquiring suitable technology transferred on time. There is a lack of evidence in research and practice in facilitating or promoting technology transfer in this industry. Thus, this research aims to develop a technology transfer framework for the bakery industry SMEs in Sri Lanka with the intention of uplifting the technologies used in the bakery industry. A review of the literature and semi-structured interviews were used to gather the required information and develop the framework. This has been built-up to address the barriers to technology transfer in the bakery industry SMEs in Sri Lanka. It is found that around 57% of bakers are not aware of technology transfer. About 69% do not have experience with supportive companies of technology transfer. The research presents a validated technology transfer framework that could be used by the stakeholders in the bakery industry.