Exploring the Barriers of Implementing Technology Transfer Practices in Construction Firms in a Developing Economy
Main Article Content
Keywords
Barriers, Construction Firms, Nigeria, Practices, Technology Transfer
Abstract
Technology Transfer (TT) remains a critical component for enhancing productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in developing economies. However, in Nigeria's construction sector, its full implementation is hindered by a complex mix of institutional, financial, and structural challenges. This study investigates the barriers to implementing technology transfer practices among construction firms in a developing economy, with a focus on professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria. A quantitative approach was adopted using structured questionnaires administered to professionals in consulting and contracting firms. Data from 258 valid responses were analysed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that barriers to implementing TT practices include the high cost of technologies, inadequate training programmes, maintenance challenges, and a shortage of skilled labour. The findings categorise these challenges into three broad factors: Cost barrier, inadequate resources, and technology gap. The study recommends that government policy should focus on financial incentives, structured training initiatives, and institutional collaborations to promote more effective technology transfer in the construction industry.
Article Metrics Graph
References
Adegbembo, T. F. (2022). The importance and use of key performance indicators of knowledge management in quantity surveying firms in Nigeria. Journal of Surveying, Construction and Property (JSCP), 13(1), 66-76.
Adelowo, C. M., Akinwale, Y. O., & Olaopa, O. R. (2017). Innovation and knowledge transfer in Nigeria. International Journal of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, 1(1), 57–73.
Adeyemi, P., & Adegbembo, T. F. (2023). Assessing innovative tools and techniques for managing knowledge in construction firms in Nigeria. Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, 13(1), 45-56.
Afolabi, A., Onyia, E. A., & Ogunbayo, B. F. (2021). Construction industry in Nigeria: Key challenges and prospects for sustainable development. International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 10(3), 87-99.
Agunde, P. U. C., Okwandu, G. A., & Owuala, E. A. (2007). Construction project management in Nigeria: Challenges and the way forward. In P. Arthur (Ed.), COBRA (pp. 5). RICS, Georgia Tech, 6-7 September.
Ajibo, C. C., Anozie, M. C., Onyeabor, E., Umahi, T. O., Odinkonigbo, J. J., & Agu, H. (2019). Technology transfer for development in Nigeria: Patterns, problems, and prospects. Commonwealth Law Bulletin, 45(1), 70–91.
Amaechi, L. (2020). Technological dependence and Nigeria's role in the 21st century globalised economy. University of Nigeria Journal of Political Economy, 10, 161-167.
Chan, D. W. M., Olawumi, T. O., Saka, A. B., & Ekundayo, D. (2022). Comparative analysis of the barriers to smart sustainable practices adoption in the construction industry between Hong Kong and Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 1–11.
Fredland, R. A. (2000). Technology transfer to the public sector in developing states: Three phases. Journal of Technology Transfer, 25(3), 265–275.
Garengo, P. (2019). How bridging organisations manage technology transfer in SMEs: An empirical investigation. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 31(4), 477-491.
Goodluck, E. E. (2021). A survey of the knowledge and application of digital construction technology such as building information modelling and digital twin technology in Lagos, Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, The Robert Gordon University).
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Khan, J., Haleem, A., & Husain, Z. (2017). Barriers to technology transfer: A total interpretative structural model approach. International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 31(6), 511–536.
Kruger, S., & Steyn, A. A. (2020). Enhancing technology transfer through entrepreneurial development: Practices from innovation spaces. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 45(6), 1655-1689.
Nunayon, S. S., Olanipekun, E. A., & Famakin, I. O. (2020). Determining key drivers of efficient electricity management practices in public universities in Southwestern Nigeria: An empirical study. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 21(2), 281–314.
Nwaedozie, I. M. (2010). Overview of foreign technology transfer efforts in Nigeria (2000-2010): NOTAP's perspective. https://ako77.blogspot.com/2012/12/overview-of-foreign-technology-transfer_6.html
Odediran, S. J., Adeyinka, B. F., Opatunji, O. A., & Morakinyo, K. O. (2012). Business structure of indigenous firms in the Nigerian construction industry. International Journal of Business Research and Management, 3(5), 255-264.
Odigie, H., & Egbu, C. (2009). Technology transfer practices and strategies: Issues for Nigerian construction organisations and for research. In Proceedings of the 9th International Postgraduate Research Conference held at Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, January 29 – 30, 2009.
Oke, A. E., Kineber, A. F., Albukhari, I., & Dada, A. J. (2021). Modeling the robotics implementation barriers for construction projects in developing countries. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 42(3), 386–409.
Onyango, R. O. (1997). Information resources and technology transfer management in developing countries. Routledge Library Edition.
Osabutey, E. L., Williams, K., & Debrah, Y. A. (2014). The potential for technology and knowledge transfers between foreign and local firms: A study of the construction industry in Ghana. Journal of World Business, 49(4), 560-571.
Owolabi, J. D., Faleye, D., Eshofonie, E. E., Tunji-Olayeni, P. F., & Afolabi, A. O. (2019). Barriers and drivers of innovation in the Nigerian construction industry. Technology, 10(2), 334–339.
Owusu-Manu, D., Pärn, E. A., Antwi-Afari, M. F., & Edwards, D. J. (2017). Modelling a conceptual framework of technology transfer process in construction projects: An empirical approach. Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, 7(1), 1824-1842.
Pallant, J. (2011). SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using SPSS (4th ed.). China: Everbest Printing Company.
Perrow, C. A. (1967). Framework for the comparative analysis of organisations. American Sociological Review, 32, 1967.
Rani, S. S., Rao, M., Ramarao, P., & Kumar, M. (2018). Technology transfer—Models and mechanisms. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 9(6), 971–982.
Saad, M., Cicmil, S., & Greenwood, M. (2002). Technology transfer projects in developing countries—Furthering the project management perspectives. International Journal of Project Management, 20, 617-625.
Simkoko, E. E. (1989). Analysis of factors impacting technology transfer in construction projects: Case studies from developing countries. Stockholm, Sweden: Swedish Council for Building Research.
Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2007). Using multivariate statistics (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Winch, G. M. (2003). How innovative is construction? Comparing aggregated data on construction innovation and other sectors: A case of apples and pears. Construction Management and Economics, 21(6), 651-654.
Article Sidebar
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
The Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation (JCPMI) is committed to the principles of Open Access publishing and upholds the ethos of freely disseminating research findings to enhance knowledge and understanding within the field of construction project management and innovation.
In accordance with our commitment to open scholarly communication, all articles published by JCPMI are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC). This licensing agreement allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the original author and source are credited. The license also ensures that authors retain copyright over their work while allowing the wider community to access, use, and build upon the content.
The terms of the CC BY-NC license are designed to facilitate the following:
- Attribution: Users must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. This can be done in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses the user or their use.
- Non-Commercial: Users may not use the material for commercial purposes.
- No Additional Restrictions: Users may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
By publishing with JCPMI, authors agree to these terms and ensure that their work is accessible and reusable under the conditions of the CC BY-NC license, thereby contributing to the ongoing exchange of knowledge and information in an Open Access environment.
Creative Commons CC Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License
How to Cite
