Components of technology transfer: a comparative analysis of offset and non-offset companies in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia was the first country of the Gulf Cooperation Council to implement an offset related investment programme with foreign contractors to help build its technological and human capital through technology transfer. The paper examines the various offset programmes undertaken and compares these with private sector non-offset joint venture investments to assess the effectiveness of technology transfer in both sectors using a model of technology transfer 'packaging comprehensiveness '. The results indicate a greater degree of technology transfer for the offset related programmes but the current Saudi educational structure needs to be directed towards science based subjects in order for such technology transfers to become self sustaining and high value job generating in the future.