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The Role of Private Business in the International Diffusion of Technology

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  • Wilkins, Mira

Abstract

Clearly, private business is but one agent for the diffusion of technology. Yet it is an important one. In the normal pursuit of business, technological knowledge and skills pass over political boundaries and private enterprise takes part in the international diffusion of technology. In this paper I want to try to delineate the means by which private companies have shared in the international diffusion of technology in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. I will note briefly the “imitation lag” and then what I want to call the “absorption gap.” From generalizations, I will turn to some explicit examples and analysis. Finally, in conclusion, I want to return to my concept of the absorption gap and the role of private enterprise in bridging that gap.

Suggested Citation

  • Wilkins, Mira, 1974. "The Role of Private Business in the International Diffusion of Technology," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 34(1), pages 166-188, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:34:y:1974:i:01:p:166-188_07
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    Cited by:

    1. Blomkvist, Katarina & Kappen, Philip & Zander, Ivo, 2017. "Gone are the creatures of yesteryear? On the diffusion of technological capabilities in the ‘modern’ MNC," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(1), pages 1-16.
    2. Alexander Donges & Felix Selgert, 2019. "Technology transfer via foreign patents in Germany, 1843–77," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 72(1), pages 182-208, February.
    3. Dunning, John H. & Cantwell, John A., 1982. "Investissements américains directs et compétitivité technologique européenne," L'Actualité Economique, Société Canadienne de Science Economique, vol. 58(3), pages 341-379, juillet-s.
    4. Magee, Gary Bryan, 1999. "Technological Development and Foreign Patenting: Evidence from 19th-Century Australia," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 344-359, October.
    5. Valerio Cerretano, 2018. "Multinational business and host countries in times of crisis: Courtaulds, Glanzstoff, and Italy in the interwar period," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 71(2), pages 540-566, May.

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