Towards a model of technological development strategies of firms in joint venture partnerships

This paper proposes a model of technology management strategies of firms in joint venture partnerships with foreign firms from the perspective of local firms in a developing economy. It is built on empirical analysis of data from multiple case firms in two industries in Sri Lanka. It argues that local firms in foreign partnerships in this technologically constrained systemic context adopt dynamic technology sourcing strategies, based on the evolving partnership characteristics. It identifies the level of skills and competency of the local firm and the clarity of roles between the local and foreign partner firms are important dimensions that determine the choice of technology management strategies of the local partner firm