ABSTRACT

Transfer of technology (TOT) is a contentious issue in the international defence trade. In 2019 it was estimated to form at least 40%, or $123 billion USD, of total international defence trade. Whilst purchasing nations set requirements for TOT within their industrial participation (IP) policies, there is often a mismatch between the scale and type of technology suppliers can offer and the buyer’s technological absorption capability (TAC). This persistent tension between ambition and reality frequently strains the buyer-supplier relationship. Thus, understanding how TAC can be enhanced is of vital importance. This paper defines TAC in the international defence acquisition and offsets context and determines the factors for successful TAC. The paper focusses on the potential challenges for successful TAC and offers recommendations on how to enhance TAC. This research is limited to the context of Southeast Asia. The respondents consist of industry, government and academics who operate in the Southeast Asian defence and security sector.

摘要

技术转让（TOT）是国际国防贸易中一个有争议的问题。据估计，2019 年它至少占国际国防贸易总额的 40%，即 1230 亿美元。虽然采购国在其工业参与 (IP) 政策中对 TOT 提出了要求，但供应商可以提供的技术规模和类型与买方的技术吸收能力 (TAC) 之间经常存在不匹配。这种野心与现实之间持续存在的紧张关系经常使买卖双方的关系紧张。因此，了解如何增强 TAC 至关重要。本文在国际国防采购和抵消背景下定义了 TAC，并确定了 TAC 成功的因素。本文重点关注成功 TAC 的潜在挑战，并就如何增强 TAC 提出建议。这项研究仅限于东南亚的背景。受访者包括在东南亚国防和安全部门工作的行业、政府和学者。