Abstract:
This study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting technology transfer in,
manufacturing SMEs at Debre brehan Town. Descriptive and inferential research designs
were employed to achieve the objectives of the study. In order to get relevant data from the
target populations both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed. To collect the
data from the 277 sample subject’s questionnaire and 12 interviews were employed. The data
collected via questionnaires were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The findings
of the study generally indicated that SMEs are facing numerous difficulties while they are
trying to make technology transfer in their plant. The study indicated that technological
information factor, among SMEs cooperation factor and technological infrastructure factor
are the major external factors which affect technology transfer adversely to a larger extent.
With technological information factor shortage of access to technological information, lack
of access to internet services are factors affecting technology transfer. In cooperation factor
lack of cooperation with institutions, poor relationships with technical individuals are some
of the factors that affect technology transfer. In addition to, Lack of innovation, poor
modification and adoption practice are infrastructure factor which adversely affect technology
transfer to a higher extent.
Capability and organizational culture factors are major internal factors in affecting
technology transfer adversely to a higher extent. Lacks of finance and lack of technical
manpower are capability factors. Poor commitment for change, lack of staff encouragement
for creativity activities and absence of investment for technology transfer are
organizational factors which affect technology transfer to a larger extent.
Finally, the study presented some possible recommendations to alleviate the problems.
