Effect of Technology Transfer Actors on Technological Learning; Case Study of Syrian Textile Industry

Due to limited innovation capacity of less developed countries, reliance on technology absorption and incremental innovation is dominant. Technology transfer possesses opportunity of technological learning only when intertwines with systematic efforts to build indigenous technological capabilities. This paper by adopting technological learning concept based on technology absorption and incremental innovation assesses the effect of technology transfer actors on technological learning in Syrian textile industry. Data collection was carried out by content validated questionnaire addressed to 33 Syrian textile factories during time period of July to December 2016. Data analysis was done by applying regression analysis tests. Results of simple linear and multiple linear regression analysis show notable effect of technology transfer actors on operative capability compared to effect on adaptive and innovative capabilities, in addition, ordinal regression analysis results, solely confirm effect of operative capability on minor technical change; these findings imply passive entity of technical change system of textile industry in Syria. Improving this industry requires active performance of technology transfer actors to overcome limitations that hinder technological learning and stimulate active technological behavior of firms. The research presents systematic approach to technological learning which is to far extent remained neglected by researchers and equips policymakers with tool for assessing status of technical change system.