Technological Transfer from Austrian to Bulgarian Companies (Empirical Study)

The study aims to reveal the modern trends and dimensions of the international technology transfer to Bulgaria, and it is based on the particular example of technology transfer from Austrian to Bulgarian companies. The conditions for technology transfer are defined on the basis of the theories of the innovation systems and their dynamics. The objects of the study are the forms of technology transfer, its character and geographical orientation, and the economic and institutional factors for its development as well. The results of the study confirm the hypothesis that Austria is a country innovator transferring modern technologies to Bulgaria, which respectively is the country adopter. Moreover, the Austrian companies interact within their national innovation system and use predominantly own programs and financial funds for carrying out technological transfer to Bulgaria, although they assess the absorption capacity for new technologies in Bulgaria related mainly to its scientific potential, educational level, sectoral technological development, and its material base. However, there are prerequisites for intensification of technology transfer in Bulgaria, but the development of this process and the competitive inclusion of the country in the international technology transfer needs rebuilding of the national innovation system.