Interpretive–Structural Modeling for Iranian Expats' Role in Reduction of Transaction Costs in Technology and Knowledge Transfer

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Technology Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Entrepreneurship Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Technology Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Entrepreneurship Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 PhD of Technology Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Entrepreneurship Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Technology and knowledge transfer (TKT) as a two-way interaction between sender and receiver is a key strategy for industrial development among developing countries. However, it includes intangible costs called transaction costs in addition to tangible and formal costs. Experience gained by developing countries show that expert expats have high capacity to play a key role in this regard. By adopting the phenomenological analysis method and using interpretative-structural modeling based on lived experience of 22 Iranian expert expats, this research tries to identify a model of their impact on reducing transaction costs (TCs) as well as factors in this respect. MICMAC analytical tool has then been applied to position the factors according to their influence and role. Finding show trust and personal credibility in the experts' network and informal relationship with expats home play a key role in reduction of TCs thus helping better achieve goals in TKT efforts. Policy recommendations in respect to facilitating the transfer of technology and strengthening informal connections and ties between expats and home are suggested, especially in hi-tech sectors.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 10, Issue 3
2024
Pages 30-50

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