Technology transfer to local construction industry through foreign contractors: barriers and enablers

Abstract

Sri Lankan construction industry has developed considerably during past few years due to ongoing infrastructure development projects and post war reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. These will further trigger a construction sector boom over the next few years. Construction industry boom has invited more foreign construction firms into the local construction industry. Technology Transfer to local construction industry is one key benefit from the foreign construction firms’ involvement. Technology Transfer is a crucial and dynamic factor in social and economic development and has been transferred intentionally or unintentionally from one party to another when right conditions are provided (Li Hua and Greenwood, 2001). The development of a construction industry of a certain country can be enhanced through the involvement of foreign construction firms. However, authors’ initial investigations raised question is, whether the Sri Lankan construction industry is ready to acquire the possible construction technology through foreign firms. This paper identified enablers and barriers of Technology Transfer and suggest local construction industry to create a suitable conditions to acquire construction technology more dynamically through foreign firms.