An Evaluation of the Techmart Process for the International Transfer of Technology Between SME’s

SummaryThe techmart process is used increasingly to help technology-based companies and R&D organizations identify new markets and investors and to help investors locate promising new technologies. This article reviews the experience of several firms participating in recent Techmarts supported by the Republic of Korea. It identifies the factors which should be addressed by participants and organizers to enhance the value of participation, and is relevant to any new technology trade show or exhibition which aims to link technology developers and investors. It points in particular to the need for participants to consider models of international technology commercialization other than the licensing approach which is common in intra-national approaches to technology transfer.