Factors Influencing Technology Transfer Processes in Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Projects in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the National Policy on Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) has created a demand for private sectors to transfer technology to the public sector organizations especially in Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects. Technology Transfer Processes (TTP) in BOT projects faces many challenges in the country. This paper explores some of the key factors influencing TTP in BOT projects through extensive literature review, survey with clients, developers, and lenders. The aim is to contribute to the understanding and development of technology transfer through BOT projects development. Questionnaire was used to obtain the relevant data from the appropriate respondents and analyzed using severity and reliability indices and, subsequently ranked. The findings show that the main problem of TTP in BOT projects is related to time constraint, lack of trust, lack of effective value management system, fear of losing the competitive edge, and inadequate policies, procedure and guidelines. Furthermore, the findings have also revealed that TTP can be enhanced by emphasizing the value and importance of a policy relating to technology transfer, clearly articulated goals and strategies, effective communication, willingness to embrace new technology, and experienced government authority. These findings have considerable relevance to understanding the mechanism of technology transfer between private and public sectors within the BOT context in overcoming the problems and improving the processes. Furthermore, government and BOT concessionaires can use the findings to efficiently design technology transfer frameworks that can be used to overcome the problems encountered while improving TTP in BOT infrastructure projects development in Nigeria