Review of problems of transferring and localising technology in the Arab world

This research looks at problems related to technology transfer and localisation in theArab countries. Technology is defined in the international context and then related tothe environment of the Arab countries. Technology has a great role to play in thedevelopment of the Arab countries. Unfortunately these countries face numerousproblems when attempting to disseminate technology throughout the region. It is alsoclear that the Arab countries are consumers of technology. Since the Arab countrieshave natural resources, there is a need for them to use appropriate technology inexploiting these natural resources like oil.The countries of Asia have succeeded in developing a technological base to supporttheir development programmes. This research looks at how these countries managedto succeed and advocates the use of the experience of such countries to develop theidea of a technology platform in the Arab countries. In all of the Asian countries thathave succeeded in technology transfer and localisation, there was a lot of governmentsupport to such initiatives. For example tax exemption on foreign companiesinvesting in a country.There are numerous problems that face technology transfer in the Arab countries. Thebiggest problem is human development in areas related to technology. There is lowenrolment in educational institutions. This is particularly true for subjects related totechnology studies such as mathematics, pure sciences, engineering etc. There is aneed to investigate strategies that will lead to an increase in enrolments. The Arabcountries also face a brain drain where highly educated Arab nationals are recruitedby western countries. This also affects technology transfer as the Arab region losestalented intellectuals who could spear head technological development