Technological Adaptation and “Learning by Cooperation.” A Case Study of a Successful Onshore Technology Transfer in Tierra del Fuego

Abstract

The paper deals with a successful technology transfer process aimed at developing the detail engineering required to set up an oil plant in Tierra del Fuego. Specifically, it analyzes the relationship between the parties involved throughout the cooperation process by which French technological assistance was provided to Argentine engineers.

The study of everyday communication among the participants shows that the “translation” required for a successful technology adaptation) is achieved when: (1) each partner actually carries out—according to contract the complementary tasks for which he is responsible (specific competence); (2) each party has some basic skills in relation to the specific competences of his partners—in other words, when they share a common technical language which enables communication (generic competence); (3) participants “recognize” in both senses of the term their partners' idiosyncratic work styles. This is when a relational, socio-cultural competence derived from and effective only with regard to the specific ongoing cooperation process, is developed.