Title: The role of mediator organisations in the making of innovation systems in least developed countries: evidence from Tanzania

Authors: Astrid Szogs

Addresses: CIRCLE, Lund University P.O. Box 117, 22100 Lund, Sweden

Abstract: This paper examines the linkages and interactive learning processes between foreign and local actors in an innovation system in Tanzania. Specifically, the importance of a mediator organisation to absorb and transfer knowledge from the foreign to the local sector is examined. The potential application of emerging knowledge spillovers to wider local users is thus evaluated. Empirical evidence suggests that although the potential exists for the wider application of technology and knowledge spillovers, a number of key constraints partly hinder the achievement of this potential and the proper functioning of an innovation system.

Keywords: innovation systems; technology transfer; knowledge transfer; MNEs; multinational enterprises; FDI; foreign direct investment; LDCs; least developed countries; intermediate organisations; Tanzania; mediator organisations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2008.020328

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2008 Vol.4 No.3, pp.223 - 237

Published online: 16 Sep 2008 *

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