I’m starting this thread to see how we can kick-start the process of large scale technology transfer to Nigeria either through joint venture or licensing. Does such a profession exist in Nigeria?

Technology transfer is the process of transferring skills – such as knowledge, technologies and methods of manufacturing – from universities, governments, businesses to other businesses. The goal is to make the technology available to businesses that can put the technology into new products, processes, applications, materials or services.

For local manufacturing capability to develop, technology needs to be transferred from those that own it to local companies willing to make use of it for a fee.

The type of technology transferred falls under intellectual property (IP) - an intangible asset. Intellectual property comes in four generally accepted forms: (i) patents, (ii) trademarks, (iii) copyrights, and (iv) trade secrets and know-how.

Nigeria will be going through a rapid development phase and technology transfer needs to occur for businesses and entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the development. For example,

1. There’s an article recently about Nissan coming to Nigeria to assemble cars. This is a prime opportunity for technology transfer if there are local companies in place that can take advantage of it and in the process, make millions of dollars.
2. Opportunity to manufacture quality spare parts.
3. Power sector – a lot of equipment will be needed to keep the sector going. If local businesses form the right alliance, they could be in a position to provide certain equipment locally.

Successful technology transfers to Nigeria probably include Dangote Cement, Innoson Manufacturing, Zion computers, telecom sector, oil sector, etc.

With a population of 160 million, we have the local demand for a lot of products and services, why are local companies not trying to fulfill the demand? Is it lack of exposure to available technologies, inability to match licensors and licensees, disinterest from technology owners, inability to enforce contracts, or lack of infrastructure? Why exactly are deals not being made?