Teex

In accordance with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD, for its acronym in English), technology transfer is a "systematic transfer of knowledge for developing a product, the implementation of a process or performance a service" (UNCTAD, 1990).

The technology flows from a supplier and a receiver, either within a country or between states. Within a given country, for example, between public and private sectors as well as within the private sector. At the international level, technology transfer is an everyday phenomenon in international trade. This flow of technology can be presented between EITHER private sectors from different States, public sectors or a combination of both.

The transfer is completed when a technology is successfully adapted and used by the public OR PRIVATE entities. Generally speaking, the term transfer of technology, refers to a process by which science and technology are broadcast on human activities. However, in the field of economic activities WHEN THAT technology transfer IS NEEDED IT can be interpreted as the process of incorporating a productive knowledge unit developed elsewhere.

This diffusion of knowledge is generally not free under that technology it is a privately owned asset that has a value of change in the market and thus a capacity to generate income for those who possess, control and exploit it. Unlike other properties, "goods" knowledge (know how) is ultimately technology as an asset sale or rental (royalties) in accordance with the international practice trading technology.

When technology is not a public domain, the transfer is done through an agreement or contract for the use of such knowledge technology with operating profits, in return for payment or recognition of some rights to the grantor or owner of the technology.

In the specific case of TEEX (Technological European Expansion) transferred technology can be shared with foreign companies without paying anything in return, provided that a partnership (joint venture) between TEEX and the foreign firm has been established for the investment, development and exploitation of the industry within the target country. In international environmental agreements, technology transfer can be an incentive for States as to sign an agreement or may be a prerequisite for the implementation of the agreement if either party does not have the necessary endogenous technological capability.