The technological transplant

Abstract

This paper deals with technology transfer and conditions for successful diffusion of renewable energy technologies in developing countries. Issues such as perception of needs and resources are fully discussed, whether on mega-scale or micro-scale; that is to say, whether for a specific project or a whole country. A distinction is made between technology and the technological device, the latter being a component which is injected into a social system creating new links into the pre-existing structure; therefore, even if perfect in itself, it may not fit into the system in which it has to operate. The need for a complete analysis of the effects of the injection (or transplant) of the technological device into the productive system (a farm, a village, etc.), is emphasized and some methodological guidelines are suggested in order to reduce the possibility of rejection.