Transferring environmental technologies to China: Recent developments and constraints

A discussion is presented on the key issues in the transfer of environmenta l technologies to Chins and mole broadly South East (SE) Asia. It identitie s constraints to this technology transfer, and in particular, the paper dea ls with the mechanisms involved including research and technology developme nt and the major (but poorly documented) role of the private sector. The pr inciple constraints to this technology transfer relate to an understanding of the legal context, limited financing, lax enforcement of intellectual pr operty laws by the Chinese government, and a lack of appreciation of inter- cultural issues by the transferring organization. The purpose of the paper is to provide guidance to environmental technology vendors, and other organ izations? primarily from Australia, that intend to engage in technology tra nsfer activities with China. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.